Stephen Gately's Death 'Not Linked To Drugs'

A British newspaper has reported that the Boyzone singer recently found dead at the age of 33 died after choking on his own vomit after a drinking binge.

The boy band star, who famously shocked the pop world by declaring he was gay in 1999, was believed to have been found in his apartment in Majorca by his partner Andy Cowles on Saturday afternoon.

The holidaying pair were said to have been partying the night before in a nightclub in Palma.

The other four members of the band, which broke a number of chart records, have flown out to the scene along with members of Stephen's family.

An autopsy is yet to have been carried out, but Majorican police have said they are not treating the death as suspicious, while his family have insisted Stephen's death was not related to drugs or suicide.

The band's manager, Louis Walsh, was absent from his usual television appearance on the top rated ITV show The X-Factor last night, and is said to be devastated by the news.

A statement on the band's official website said: "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.

"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."

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has also paid tribute to the singer.

He said: "The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen.

"Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family. He (Gately) was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch."

(DW/GK)