RIP Stephen Gately

We’ve just heard the sad sad news that Boyzone star Stephen Gately has died at the age of 33.

A close friend told the News Of The World that it appeared Stephen died after going out in Majorca, where he was on holiday.

“It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up,” the pal said.

The cause of his death is currently unknown.

Early this morning Boyzone manager Louis Walsh told the NOTW: “We’re all absolutely devastated.”

“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.”

All four remaining members of Boyzone – who recently reunited – will be flying to Palma, Majorca tomorrow.

Boyzone star Shane Lynch said: “Me and the boys are flying out in the morning.

“We just need to get over to where he’s passed and work out what we need to do.”

Ronan Keating, who is in Chicago, has been left devastated.
A pal revealed: “Ronan is completely distraught. No-one saw this coming. He loved Stephen like a brother, they were so close, it’s absolutely floored him. “It’s a massive shock to everyone and no one can take it in yet. He was a man in the prime of his life, and this is a huge tragedy.”

He leaves a partner Andrew Cowles, who he married in a civil union in March, 2006.

RIP Stephen. We all grew up listening to and loving Boyzone.