Boyzone member Stephen Gately dies while on holiday

Published: October 12, 2009

It was meant to a little holiday to enjoy the last few rays of summer. Stephen Gately flew to the Spanish island of Majorca with his partner, Andrew Cowles, whom he married in a civil ceremony in 2006 after being introduced by Elton John. Then came the shocking discovery: the morning after a night of drinking and partying Cowles found his partner motionless.

Attempts to resucitate him failed. According to police reports, Gately reportedly chocked on his vomit. An autopsy is schedules to take place on Tuesday. According to media reports, Spanish authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the 33-year-old’s death.

Gately’ former band members Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch reportedly flew out to the island upon receiving the news. They released a statement on their website saying: “We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more.

“Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen’s family. We love you and will miss you forever.”

Boyzone is an Irish boy band that celebrated international success in the 1990s and his famous for hits like ‘No Matter What’, ‘Isn’t It A Wonder’ and ‘All That I Need’. The band broke up in 2000 so its member could pursue solo projects. Boyzone reunited in 2007 with their ‘Back Again … No Matter What’ album.

Other celebrities who died in 2009 include Stephen Gately, Casey Johnson, Adam Goldstein, Brittany Murphy,Patrick Swayze, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

The image was taken and posted by Michelle Woolnough. It is of Gately performing with Boyzone in London in May 2009. (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Gately.jpg)