Irish Superstar's Death Baffles Loved Ones, Police
Boyzone singer Stephen Gately's shocking death stuns Europe
Irish superstar Stephen Gately, a singer with bestselling European pop band Boyzone, died suddenly while vacationing in Spain, the group's Web site announced Sunday. He was 33.
Irish superstar Stephen Gately, a singer with bestselling European pop band Boyzone, died suddenly while vacationing in Spain, the group's Web site announced Sunday. He was 33.
Gately "tragically died" late Saturday on the island of Majorca, the site said. No details of Gately's death were revealed, but the band said in the statement it was traveling to the island early Sunday morning.
The mysterious death baffled Spanish police and Gately's family and friends, including his partner Andrew Cowles, who was with him when he passed away. Police said there were no signs of violence at the house where Gately was found, a seafront villa overlooking the shore.
Gately and Cowles were wed in 2006 and gained international support for their union from colleagues like Elton John, who said he and partner David Furnish were "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," John said in a statement.
Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said Gately's death was "a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well."
Boyzone, who hit the top of the European charts in the 1990s, announced a comeback tour last year.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia
Posted Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 - 7:24 AM EST
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