[haggis]

Boyzone star Stephen Gately died suddenly yesterday evening in Majorca at the age of just 33.

Reported by the News of the World, the cause of his death is unclear though a close friend told the paper: "It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up."

His fellow bandmates and Boyzone manager Louis Walsh are said to be devastated at the shock news.

Louis Walsh told the News of the World: "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."

The remaining members of Boyzone are set to fly to Palma, Majorca tomorrow. 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."

And Ronan Keating, who is currently in Chicago, is reportedly distraught over the news.

A friend said: "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."

Gately's success story began in 1993 when he answered an advert in Dublin to audition for Ireland's very own boyband. The result was Boyzone and the band went on to massive success, with six number one singles.

In 2009, Stephen made the brave decision to come out to his adoring public and, when the band moved onto solo projects, Gately was the first to release his debut solo single, New Beginning, followed by an album of the same name.

He also appeared on stage, most notably in the starring role for Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Boyzone, including Gately, reunited in 2008 and were due to release a new album in 2010. Stephen had also made his film debut in the horror movie Credo before his untimely death.

He leaves behind partner Andrew Cowles, whom he wed in a civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.

R.I.P
source

http://celebrity.aol.co.uk/2009/10/1...-aged-just-33/