
In the early hours of this morning we broke the tragic news that Gately had died after a night out while holidaying on the Balearic island.
He leaves behind partner Andrew Cowles.
Shellshocked Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham will fly out tonight to pay their respects, the News of the World understands.
Sources close to the band say they plan to travel together so they can give each other strength and support during this difficult time.
In an emotionally charged statement, the band said this afternoon: "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen.
"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more.
"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 'Steo'."
Louis Walsh pulled out of tonight's planned appearance on ITV1's X Factor, but his spokeswoman said he would not be flying to Majorca with the band.
She said: "Louis will not be appearing on tonight's X Factor. He thanks everyone for the messages of support at this sad time."
Walsh had initially hinted he would appear, saying he believed Gately would have wanted him to be on the show supporting his acts.
A source close to the manager said: "Stephen was a massive fan of the show.
"When Louis and Stephen were together for the last time on Monday they spoke in detail about X Factor."
Earlier we reported how police investigating the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately said there were "no signs of suspicious circumstances" today.
A spokesman for the police in Spain said Gately died at 1.45pm yesterday in his house in Port Andratx, Majorca and added: "At the moment it is not known how he died.
"There are no signs of suspicious circumstances."
Sir Elton John led tributes to the singer today, saying he was the "kindest, gentlest soul".
Scores of devastated fans posted tributes on the singer's Facebook page, expressing sadness and disbelief at the news of his death.
This article has 130 comments
Stephen was deeply upset to hear this sad news.
I loved his music and thought stephen was talented and a lovely looking young man.
You will be missed by everyone.Heaven has gained a Angel.
God bless you stephen.RI P MARIA
By maria bourzama. Posted October 25 2009 at 5:15 PM.
R.I.P Steve, my heart goes to the family and also to the Boyzone boys. Please God just grant them the heavenly peace that they need at this most trying time. My God you have seen me through such worst times and i pray for this family too that you may please see them through. Loui, take courage in the Lord and thank him for the gift of being able to work and change the lives of these boys through music. God bless you all and i shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers.In God everything is possible. Keep praying.
By A.Ndungu. Posted October 22 2009 at 4:32 PM.
To all me Stephen's family and friends, i am so sorry to hear of the bad news. My heart goes out to you all as i have recently been through several family losses myself and know the anguish you are experiencing. Stephen was so young and such a beautiful singer. All my strength to you all at this difficult time. Love Samantha x x x x x x x x x
By Samantha, 24, Reading, Berkshire.. Posted October 21 2009 at 7:16 PM.
rip stephen its such a shock u were so young my heart goes out to your family and andrew i no what he is going through and your family godbless all of u at sad time xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx lots of love to all
By christine. Posted October 18 2009 at 6:52 PM.
my thoughts go to is family i no what they are going through i have been there its so hard i dont think it gets any better so sorry for your loss so young rest in pease stephen godbless all the family xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By christine. Posted October 17 2009 at 7:46 PM.
RIP stephen god bless you . my thoughts and heart goes out to the band and your family and friends , sadly missed 4ever xxxxxx
By a.fitz. Posted October 17 2009 at 2:43 PM.
Boyzone is my favourite boy band am still not accepted that Stephen is dead. now you rest in God, beautiful garde my heart goes to the boys partner & family
By shumi. Posted October 17 2009 at 3:13 AM.
it still hasnt sunk in that hes gone he will be truly missed, my heart goes out to his family, husband and his bandmates. he was a true star who always made me smile
By helent. Posted October 16 2009 at 5:10 PM.
sadley missed keep on danceing where ever you are stephen gatley you where a good singer i hope you are still singing to all of the world miss you all ways im doing a web for him
By mark grant. Posted October 14 2009 at 1:48 AM.
a brave and beautiful soul has now left us to join the angels in angel. RIP Stephen..
spo tragic was your death. you will be sorely missed xxxxx ps you always were my fave boyzone member and i was always a huge fan of yours!
By Manisha Hathiramani. Posted October 13 2009 at 10:36 PM.
This world has been a better place because of your music - Your songs got me through the many bad times in my life and your proudness of your sexuality was inspiration to many - RIP Stephen love always xxxx
By claire. Posted October 12 2009 at 7:21 PM.
This is truly a sad loss. I have been a Boyzone fan since 1996. I saw them in Belfast and Dublin twice. I have taken this so badly and I am still in shock. The song "No Matter What" was one of my favourite songs. Boyzone's music was like a therapy to me during hard times - exams, bereavement etc. He had such a lovely singing voice and such a nice personality to match. My thoughts go out to Stephen's family, Boyzone and Louis. xxxxxxx
"I know this love's forever, that's all that matters now, no matter what"
By Emma Magee. Posted October 12 2009 at 3:06 PM.
you was a fab singer,u will be missed by millions r.i.p xxx
By dawn chalk. Posted October 12 2009 at 3:16 PM.
r.i.p Stephen Gately......
By marean 16. Posted October 12 2009 at 1:12 PM.
OMG!!!!!
Dear Andrew......our thoughts are with you!!
Stay strong......he will live in your heart forever.
By Jen. Posted October 12 2009 at 9:54 AM.
r.i.p stephen and my thoughts are with andrew and his family and the band and louis i am going to miss you load you where the best singer in the band and you are and angel and you are now with the angels in the sky
from your no 1 fan michelle norton
By michelle norton . Posted October 12 2009 at 8:56 AM.
RIP STEVEN XXX
By susan hyde . Posted October 12 2009 at 8:33 AM.
so srry really tragic my thoughts go out to your family at this sad time
By hazel. Posted October 12 2009 at 7:44 AM.
rest in peace Angel child and may your family ,andrew and all who love you find comfort in eachother
By sara davies. Posted October 12 2009 at 3:33 AM.
An iconic figure to the gay community, a sensation in the pop world with one of the original boy bands. Someone who no doubt found a place in many hearts for his talents, and probably helped many guys of his generation in being proud of their sexuality. He will be sadly missed, especially by his friends family and his partner.
May his soul sing in peace.
By Alex. Posted October 12 2009 at 1:30 AM.
god bless all your family
they will need everyones thoughts and prayers at this awful time. please after the funeral give the poor full family time to grieve in peace, he will never be forgotten
By k daly. Posted October 12 2009 at 12:10 AM.
RIP for Stephen and Andrew be brave as always. GBU
By Handy. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:49 PM.
Still in shock that he has gone. So loved my millions of people all around the world. Stephen you was one beautiful person inside and out. Always had a smile on your face. Im glad i had chance to meet you back in the Boyzone days. My thoughts are with Andrew, your family, the Boyzone Boys, Louis and all your friends. You touched so many hearts with your music and you will be missed. Your with the Angels now and you can Rest In Peace. God always takes the good ones. Keep them 'Bright Eyes' shining and you will always be the brightest star in the sky. Much Love Kali x
By Kali. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:34 PM.
R.I.P steven such a great guy!!! my thought are with you all the family and friends at this sad time we are all thinking off you xxx
By caroline. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:21 PM.
RIP matey, a lovely cheeky chappy with an angelic voice. My Mum loved you and your vocals still send a chill down my spine. Such a sad waste when you had everything to live for, everything ahead of you. At least you weren't suffering if you just slipped away in your sleep. All the best to the Boyzone lads and your partner Andrew, I cannot imagine what they are going through but hopefully they can draw strength from the lovely memories being shared by fans and friends and the thoughtful messages posted here and elsewhere. RIP and god bless!
By Orangina. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:14 PM.
RIP STEPHEN
You will be greatly missed by us all
we all send our love to your husband Andrew and your family including Ronan, Kieth, Shane and mikey
god bless stephen and sleep well
love from one of your biggest fans
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By vicky. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:01 PM.
R.I.P god bless your family
By tracy jardine. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:53 PM.
my thoughts are with andrew your family,friends,louis and the band. you were an amazing person so so talented you will be greatly missed. you are so young you had a lifetime ahead of you, it just dont make sense our world as lost some amazing people lately what is going on? keep the party alive up there stephen,rip goodnight god bless xxxxx
By kelly. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:53 PM.
What a shock. God be with his family they must be so proud to have had such a talented son who brought great music to us all.
RIP Stephen Gately you'll never be forgotten xxx
By Donna Kennedy. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:16 PM.
SAD so SAD!
Together we all share this pain
But do take heart for we'll meet again.
To all whom have been touch by this sadness
God Bless You all xx
By Lynn. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:05 PM.
I can't believe you're gone. You will be greatly missed. I'm glad I got to see you one last time last year. Sleep peacefully, the angels have you now xxxx
By sarah. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:57 PM.
still can't beleive it. it's so unfair. better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all x x x
a party has just started in heaven, keep singing steven... with love to andrew the gatley's and louis and the lads ... so sad x
By vici. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:57 PM.
Cannot belive ur gone cn u in joseph and on tour last yr sleep peacefuly with the angels sympathy to andrew an the gately family an of course ronan,shane,keith an mickey x
By Jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:18 PM.
Cannot belive ur gone cn u in joseph and on tour last yr sleep peacefuly with the angels sympathy to andrew an the gately family an of course ronan,shane,keith an mickey x
By Jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:18 PM.
Cannot belive ur gone cn u in joseph and on tour last yr sleep peacefuly with the angels sympathy to andrew an the gately family an of course ronan,shane,keith an mickey x
By Jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:18 PM.
Cannot belive ur gone cn u in joseph and on tour last yr sleep peacefuly with the angels sympathy to andrew an the gately family an of course ronan,shane,keith an mickey x
By Jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:18 PM.
I'm certainly shocked.You was a very nice man and great singer.We'll miss so much! R.I.P. Stephen....
By Svetlana. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:36 PM.
Dear Stephen RIP, i love u music, my thoughts are with Andrew and u family
By Denise. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:29 PM.
Dear Stephen, you will be missed but never forgotten, your spirit will live on. RIP Stephen Gately. My thoughts go our to your family and friends at this sad time. XXXX
By Julliette Atkinson. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:20 PM.
Still shocked.
Stephen you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Heaven has gainend an angel.
RIP
By Vero. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:18 PM.
Lisa my partner has not stop crying and I didn't know how much of a impacted he had on her life until now !! R.I.P Steve hope you find the happiness in the next world you could not find in this one !!!!
By Lisa. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:18 PM.
R.I.P you r in my heart,thoughts with andrew and family
By Denise. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:17 PM.
RIP Stephen :(. Xx
By Kirsty Haworth. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:15 PM.
god be with u and your family x
By simone. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:15 PM.
only the good die young. rip stephen. god bless u
By edith gray. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:13 PM.
we feel so sad becuase we are in Mexico and we are fans of boyszone... what terrible news
By patty. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:12 PM.
God Bless and my thoughts are with your partner Andrew. RIP Stephen Gately xxxx
By Gillyb62. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:11 PM.
RIP Stephen, thoughts are with you ur family, partner, and the boys. such a young life taken. your music will never be forgotten and your spirit will live on. you were a very couragous young man. god bless x
By kelly - portsmouth. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:10 PM.
RIP Stephen, gone far too early! can not beleive that this has happened. thoughts are with ur family, partner and friends x x x
By Joanne. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:50 PM.
Can't believe your gone. Will miss u xxxx
My heart goes out to all your friends and family,and your partner.
RIP xxxxxxxxx Love u always
By caz. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:27 PM.
My God why?????So young and so talented this has really affected me,been in tears all day long.RIP Stephen xxps love to all your family and friends including the rest of the boys
By Louise Siewierski. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:19 PM.
I am so sorry to hear about his tragic death. I saw boyzone on tour and he did a solo of beyonces single ladies put a ring on it, which was so good. you will never be forgotten by boyzone fans
By laura. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:04 PM.
poor stephen wish he wasn't dead he was a little angel god bless him.
By ellie roberts. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:01 PM.
rip stephen Gatetly ur music with the band and ur solo career and all ur hits will never be forgotten. we all love you and god bless the brand new angel. u left this earth too soon nothing ever could replace you
By audrey. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:57 PM.
WOW, Gob Smacked, VERY SAD.
Rest In Peace Fella, you'll be missed. You made Gay men proud to be out. xx
By PJ. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:11 PM.
i am one of your many fans you have Stephen all your fans around the world loves you Rest In Peace You will never be forgotten Send my sympathy to sll your family You were really great guy
By patricia. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:51 PM.
my thoughts are with Andrew and the family, so sorry for your loss. God bless Stephen
By Ros Mitchell, Surrey. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:48 PM.
such sad news x so shocked rest in peace stephen x
By shell cotton. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:45 PM.
You will be greatly missed by so many, my thoughts are with Andrew and your family and friends. "gone too soon" rest in peace your music will live on XXXX
By kathryn braithwaite. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:43 PM.
i am devastated, you were a great person and i cant believe you are gone. our thoughts are with your family and partner....R.I.P...stephen gately.xxxx
By tracey. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:39 PM.
Rest in peace Stephen. My condolances to his partner friends and family x
By jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:28 PM.
god bless stephen. rest in peace. gone but never forgotten.xx
By kathryn. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:24 PM.
I'm just devastated. Love you always Stephen xx
By Caroline. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:16 PM.
RIP stephen gutted that u have passed away thoughts with your partner your family and band mates and your fans xxxxx
By sara yates . Posted October 11 2009 at 6:12 PM.
GB& MUCH LOVE X
By S G. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:06 PM.
cant believe stephen has gone, i have loved him for years. The angels will look after him now. im sending my love and thoughts to Ronan, Shane,Keith and Mikey xxxxxxxx rest in peace xx
By nicola bond. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:48 PM.
OMG - Stephen you are an inspiration RIP xxx
By Adam Robinson. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:47 PM.
GONE TOO SOON: Stephen Gately....RIP
May you find peace singing with the Angels in Heaven and your family, Husband and friends find comfoort in the cherished memories of times spent with you.....A sad day for everyone.....lost and loved by millions...xxxx
By sharon Dunn. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:42 PM.
So sad to hear of another young life cut short. My heart goes out to your family, Andrew and rest of Boyzone members .You will be sadly missed. RIP Stephen .Although a shock at least you did.t suffer. God bless.xxxxx
By Foxy. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:41 PM.
stephen u were the same age as me and i grew up listening to your music with boyzone you will be sadly missed by me and a lot of other fans godbless u you RIP you diserve it.
By david. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:41 PM.
what sad news saw boyzone at sandown in august his version of beyonces all the single ladies was best performance of the evening a big lose to the industry x
By kim shaw. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:37 PM.
Rest in peace you will be sadly missed
By sandra. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:36 PM.
R.I.P stephen gately our thoughts are with you all at this sad time ( we believes in angels ) will miss u an your music xxx
By sinead doyle-mc connell. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:34 PM.
rip stephen thoughts with your family
By aoibhin. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:28 PM.
Rip stephen
By michael. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:15 PM.
RIP Stephenxx
By MMcBrier. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:13 PM.
Very shocking and sad news
poor guy looked so happy in the last couple of years~It is awful that yet another guy~who we all know of for many years has suddenly died.
RIP and thoughts to all those nearest and dearest to Stephen ~who will be suffering his untimely death
xxxx
By Carole. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:51 PM.
Such a sad loss for Ireland and for his band members and friends. So young and such a bright future ahead of him, what a sad and terrible waste.
RIP Stephan
By Ann. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:50 PM.
No matter What
By Mark Duncan. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:48 PM.
so very sorry if stephen did die in his sleep my brother died the same way so i send my heartfelt sorrow to all of stephens loved ones who are so shocked to day stephen thankyou for the music rest in peace love from janice xx
By janice mc namee. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:44 PM.
r.i.p its such a shame, young and had everything to live for a new album next year.... u will never b forgotten R.i.p Clairexxxx
By claire. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:42 PM.
R.I.P. Stephen Gately, You will be Truly Missed -singing with the Angels now xx
By Sheila . Posted October 11 2009 at 4:39 PM.
its very sad to hear the news i am just so shocked i loved boyzone and saw them live at wembly my thoughts are with his partner family and friends esp the rest of the group
RIP XXXXXXXX
By donna. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:33 PM.
I`m so sad to day, whay do all the god guy go first????? You were an inspirasisjon to us all.. You told us that we must be proud off who we are and do what is right for us... And you sang like an engel... ceap on singing..You will be deapely mist. RIP in pease....
By Kristin from Norway. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:01 PM.
it is so sad 2 hear about stephen it is tragic my thoghts and prayers r with him and his family also thinkin about boyzone and most of all ronan. R.I.P STEPHEN AND GOD BLESS U.
By caroline paterson. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:54 PM.
Rest in peace Stephen!! I cant believe you are gone!! You will be sorely missed by all!! My sympathy goes out to your family and friends!! You will live on through your music, your voice wos just so beautiful and having your life taken away from you so young is a complete sin!! I hope boyzone will carry on in your memory as we all know that is what you would want!! 2009 has been such a bad year for loosing talent!! You and ur idol Michael Jackson will be up there singing Ben together!! Sending all my love and thoughts to your family and friends!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
By Sarah Roberts. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:36 PM.
i'm in shock- can't believe it's true - i'm a great fan of boyzone and especially Stephen and i'm sure we all miss him verry much. RIP Stephen u will never be forgotten ++
By Regina von der Heyde. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:34 PM.
R.I.P. Stephen. Im sure you are in heaven singing with the angels. You will live on forever in our hearts.
By Jean Norval. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:13 PM.
So sad to hear this. Ive followed Boyzone for as long as I can remember. Boyzone were a huge part of my childhood, and now its been shattered. Im absolutely gutted. The news today has been hard for me to take.
So my thoughts are definitely with his friends, family, the band, and of course, Andrew. I hope you can take comfort from the fact that he was loved and adored by many, and he died peacefully with love in his heart. God bless, take care Andrew. And rest in peace Stephen. Keep singing with the angels xxxxxx
By Laura C. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:06 PM.
so sad to hear about your death you were a giant of a man .
By l gleeson. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:01 PM.
sorry to here god bess you
By bevmm. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:42 PM.
Im so shocked a great guy in the prime of his life ,my thoughts are with his parner Andrew, family and friends ,rest in peace stephen you will never be forgotten xx
By liz. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:18 PM.
RIP so sad to hear ,thought with your family and friends
By deirdre. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:17 PM.
so sad & very tragic especially at such a young age. never been a huge boyzone fan but always enjoyed their music. thoughts with his family, friends and the rest of the band. rip x
By Becca. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:06 PM.
IM in total shock that stephen has passed away u were a great singer and had the best smile eva,
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gately Family friends and bandmates at this terrible time and especially with Andrew. my Deepest sympathy goes out 2 all u. x
the hole world loved u stephen and are shocked and devastated to hear of ur passing.
i've read,that stephen passed away in his sleep , which i hope is true , May you R.I.P ,you will never be forgotten.
what eva happened stephen u are at peace now , keep smiling pet xxxxxxxxxx
all my love bernie ,,, frm ireland xxxx
By bernie hughes. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:59 PM.
R.I.P Stephen, you will be missed so much. Thank you for everything you have done over the years.
By Julie. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:32 PM.
RIP Stephen, I cant believe you're gone, we will all sadly miss you and your talent... your'l never be forgotten. ive grown up with you since you began in 1993...
my thoughts go out to the family and all boyzone/stephen fans out there on this sad day,and not to mention the rest of the guys in boyzone...
:) (k)
zoe, hertfordshire ages 26
By zoe newton. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:37 PM.
I was a great fan of Boyzone and was a great fan of Stephen Gately and loved his songs...
This's really sad...
rest in peace...
By Sangeetha Delampady. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:40 PM.
I have followed Boyzone from the start of their career and it was always Stephen that I liked the best. I went to see them at Wembley in May and I am so glad I did. May you R.I.P and you will never be forgotten. Deepest sympathy for Andrew who must be in complete shock and devastated to wake up and find you gone. The only good thing is you did not suffer...Thoughts go out to the rest of the band and your family. Keep on smiling wherever you are...xxxx
By Janet. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:21 PM.
i will nver for get him iwll play is music on the net and play the group boy zone he will like them so much roannkaeting shayne and tow more from boyzone as well
By suzannedavenport . Posted October 11 2009 at 1:10 PM.