Boyzone singer Stephen Gately dead at 33

[levitt]

So sad and unexpected. R.I.P Stephen. My cousin was so in love with him when she was younger she called her hamster SG.

[candace scandals &]

Very sad for someone so young. My first thought was that something else was involved in this death other than having a few drinks. It is so easy to assume the worst when it could have been vomit aspiration, undetected heart problems like sarzy said or any other natural causes. I don't know if SG had any sort of drug habit. It is sad that we (and I include myself in that) become so used to stars hiding things when maybe an individual really did die of natural causes. It's unusual but not impossible but it doesn't really change anything.

Eternal rest for Stephen and prayers to his family, friends and partner.

[suzan]

Oh no!!!!!!!! So sad!! I love Boyzone!!

[McJag]

What a shock to everyone. I hope this won't be drug related.

[Belt Up]

Another one bites the dust

[dowcat]

So sad. RIP Stephen.

[Novice]

Page last updated at 12:33 GMT, Sunday, 11 October 2009 13:33 UK
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Boyzone star Stephen Gately dies

Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has died suddenly at the age of 33 while on holiday in Majorca.
Spanish police said he died on Saturday and that there were no signs of suspicious circumstances. But the cause of death is not yet known.
Gately was on holiday with his long-term partner Andy Cowles. His bandmates said they were "completely devastated" and are now travelling to Majorca.
The Irish band had six UK number one hits in the 1990s and reformed in 2007.
Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here


Gately's last Twitter post, 6 October



In pictures: Stephen Gately
Tributes paid to singer Gately

The four remaining members of Boyzone described Gately as "our friend and brother".
"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more," a statement said.
"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."
Singer Ronan Keating is on his way back from the US and will join the rest of the group in Majorca.
Police said they were called to a house near Port d'Andratx on the western tip of the island on Saturday afternoon.
"At the moment it is not known how he died," the police spokesman said. "There are no signs of suspicious circumstances."
Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, who is still expected to appear as a judge on The X Factor results show on Sunday, told the News of the World newspaper: "We're all absolutely devastated.
Boyzone (with Gately on far left) reunited in 2007

"I'm in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don't know much about what's happened yet.
"I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man."
Bertie Ahern, former Irish Taoiseach, described Gately as a personal friend and his death as a "huge, huge tragedy" for Irish music and culture.
Singer Sir Elton John said: "David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.
"We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."
HAVE YOUR SAY

It's quite a shock. He had the best voice out of the band

Caroline, Bedfordshire



Fellow Irish boy band Westlife described Gately as a "friendly, positive spirit and a passionate performer...
"Our thoughts are with Andy and the rest of his family, his friends, his legions of fans and of course his bandmates... who will be devastated at the loss of a truly beautiful person."
Writing on the micro-blogging website Twitter, broadcaster Stephen Fry said: "Just heard the very sad news about dear Stephen Gately.
"What a dreadful shock. He was loveable and sweet-natured and will be hugely missed."
Music journalist Paul Gambaccini said: "It's sad on a personal level and a professional level."
Boyzone sold more singles than Take That in the 1990s, he said, and had 16 Top 5 singles.
Gately and Cowles tied the knot in 2006

A year before Boyzone split, Gately revealed that he was gay and had a boyfriend.
He later held a private civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.
After Boyzone, Gately continued his career as a solo artist, but was dropped by Polydor in 2001 after three top 20 singles.
He enjoyed further success performing in musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2003-04.
Gately also appeared in 2007 on ITV1's reality series Dancing on Ice, and was voted Hero of 1999 at the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party.
His last message on Twitter, posted on 6 October, said: "Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."
BBC/news

Youtube link:- For those of you who don't know Boyzone.....

youtube boyzone - Google Videos

(I refuse to do a videofesto!)

[Rondette]

I find this morbid obsession with people's last tweets/fb stuff quite amusing. Just as well his last entry wasn't something like 'Got the shits' or 'have to buy catfood' eh?

[Kittylady]

Originally Posted by Rondette

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome?

I knew a guy (well he was only about 20) who randomly died in his sleep. They still don't know what caused it.

Happened to a friend - he was only 31 and the sweetest, kindest, most loving and generous guy you could ever meet. No drugs, no heart condition, he just... stopped. As selfish as it is, having no real reason for their death, nothing to kick and pummel and rage against, makes the grieving harder, so much more so when arseholes who fill their body with drugs and drive drunk and wrap their car around a tree and seem determined to wreck the life they have been given keep rolling on like fucking cockroaches.

Still miss ya, Chris, ten years on xxx

[celeb_2006]

neeever heard of him

[PoisonGirl]

So young, how sad!

[rollo]

Very sad. RIP

[LynnieD]

Didn't know him, but he was hot!! RIP

[ekee]

i hated boyzone when i was younger. i was a TT girl.

but this is sad. too young.

[Karistiona]

Poor Stephen his husband must be devastated. My first thought was that he had a serious medical condition that he'd kept quiet, but who knows. Such a shame for him to go so young.