Tributes after Boyzone star Stephen Gately dies

Published on Sunday 11 October 2009 18:12

Police investigating the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately said there were "no signs of suspicious circumstances" today.

The 33-year-old Irish pop star and actor was on holiday with his long-term partner in Majorca when he "tragically died" yesterday, according to the Boyzone Tour website.

A spokesman for the police in Spain said Gately died at 1.45pm yesterday in his house in Port Andratx, and added: "At the moment it is not known how he died. There are no signs of suspicious circumstances."

The Guardia Civil is investigating the death, the police spokesman added.

The four remaining members of the band would be flying out to the Spanish island today, a message on the band's tour website said.

The statement read: "Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew Cowles in Majorca.

"The rest of the boyz will be flying out today."

A spokesman for Ronan Keating said he was "totally devastated" and on his way back from the United States.

The circumstances surrounding Gately's death remained unclear but the News of the World reported he died after a night out.

Boyzone manager Louis Walsh told the newspaper: "We're all absolutely devastated."

He said: "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."

A spokeswoman for Walsh said he was "very shocked and exceptionally upset".

No changes have been made to tonight's X Factor finals at the moment, and Walsh is still planning to appear as one of the judges on the hit ITV show, but the situation may change later.

Speaking to the newspaper last night, band member 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."

Gately, who married his partner Andrew Cowles in a civil union in 2006, sent ripples through the pop music world ten years ago when he announced that he was gay.

He joined Boyzone in 1993 after answering an advert in Dublin to audition for Ireland's first boyband.

The band went on to enjoy huge success with six number one singles, but split up in 2000.

They reunited seven years later, but their recent 19-date Better tour failed to fill stadiums, despite offers of free tickets.

Gately also starred in West End musicals, including Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and appeared on the ITV1 show Dancing on Ice.

He last posted a message on his Twitter page on October 6, writing: "Still busy, lots going on. Focusing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."

Stephen was today remembered in his home city as a much-loved hero and role model who achieved superstardom against the odds.

Grieving family friends living close to his former home in the tough Dublin working class area of Sheriff Street paid glowing tributes to the talented Boyzone performer.

One of his former teachers classed him as a cool, clean hero, while the city's Lord Mayor said his achievements had raised the spirits of a community blighted by drug problems and high unemployment.

"We had a superstar in our midst, it was really wonderful. His success really lifted the whole community," Emer Costello said.

"He was a real success story and a very positive role model that people could look to.

"It was wonderful that somebody from that community, because it really was probably against the odds, that he achieved such success.

"He was just a lovely fella, with a lovely gentle manner."

Distraught friends and old neighbours painted a picture of a young boy always interested in music, showing off his talents on the dancefloors of local discos around the area.

He was a much-loved figure and one whose achievements made the close-knit community deeply proud – even winning the hearts of the local girls with his boyish good looks.

His ex-teacher David Bailey said Stephen had shown a keen interest in singing during his days in St Laurence O'Toole National School.

"I just remember him as a good kid. We did a lot of singing in the class, though he wouldn't have stood out as being extraordinary or brilliant. But I definitely say he would have enjoyed the singing," Mr Bailey said.

"He made it out of Sheriff street when a lot didn't.

"He would be an inspiration. They would have great regard for him."

Mr Bailey, who taught him when he was aged 11, said he never gave any trouble in class.

Although his grieving parents Margaret and Martin live in a retirement home, tearful neighbours gathered in leafy Canon Lillis Avenue, just off Sheriff Street, where the family home once was, to mourn the loss.

It is the second tragedy to hit the family in recent years, after his father fell off a ladder while painting, suffering severe head injuries.

It is understood Stephen returned to the area just weeks ago and took his mother out for dinner to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Neighbour Margaret Costello, 75, recounted that after he made it big, adoring female fans would traipse around the quiet residential streets hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol.

Fighting tears, she remembered how she once directed a besotted young English tourist to the Gately family home within minutes of her arriving in Dublin.

"I had people knocking on the door one Sunday morning at 9am, they had just got off the boat. Came from Liverpool, a woman and her daughter and the daughter wanted to know where did Stephen Gately live.

"All she wanted to do was take a photograph of the house.

"He was a lovely fella. There is nothing bad you could say about him. A loveable chap. We're all in shock around here, we really are."

Just streets away, upset parishioners paid tribute to the young star following morning mass in which prayers were offered for the grieving Gately family.

They huddled together in a small group outside St Laurence O'Toole church, swapping stories about the young singer before he achieved world-wide success.

Nicolas Fay, a former classmate at St Laurence O'Toole National School, recounted how the young Stephen vowed in the classroom he would go places.

"He was quiet, a nice bloke, a nice young fella. I got on well with him," Mr Fay, 33, said.

"He always turned around and said to the teacher I'm going to make myself out to be something. So we knew he was going to be famous."

Local councillor Aodhan O Riordain said he had brought pride to the inner city community.

"He brought honour and pride to the community of the North Wall and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and neighbours who I know were very proud of him," he said.

Stephen is survived by his parents Martin and Margaret, sister Michelle and brothers Tony, Alan and Mark.