The Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, 33, has been found dead while on holiday with his partner in Majorca.
The group's tour website says said that he had "tragically died" and that the rest of the group would be flying out to Majorca on Sunday.
Numerous UK news sources, including the Mirror are reporting that sad news that Gately died in his sleep, "when he choked on his own vomit after drinking" until 6am. He was discovered by his distraught partner Andy Cowles on Saturday afternoon. The pair, who were on holiday, had been partying at the club together.
Boyzone announced their comeback tour last November. The Irish band had six UK number one hits from 1994 to 2000.
Gately played Joseph on tour and in the West End in 2002 and 2003. He then took the role of the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium in 2004 and 2005. He also starred in pantomime and other regional productions.
With Boyzone he recorded the number one single No Matter What, from Whistle Down The Wind, and as a solo artist he recorded I Believe from Billy Elliot.The Boyzone web site sates that "We are truly sorry to confirm that Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday, with his partner Andrew, in Majorca. We are unable to give any other details at this time.
Ronan, Keith, Mikey & Shane have said...
"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'".
The band and everyone involved with boyzone sends their deepest sympathies to Stephen's family and his many friends all over the world."
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