Boy Band Singer Found Dead

Irish pop band Boyzone confirmed that singer Stephen Gately died Saturday while on vacation with his partner in Mallorca, Spain

By Brandi Fowler Oct 12, 2009 2:00 AMTags
BoyzoneUniversal Int'l

Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died Saturday while on vacation in Mallorca, Spain, the group confirmed on their official website Sunday. 

"We are truly sorry to confirm that Stephen tragically died [Saturday] whilst on holiday, with his partner Andrew," a posting on the site said. "We are unable to give any other details at this time."

Bandmates Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch said in a statement: "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 it 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 will love you and will miss you forever, 'Steo.'" 

The 33-year-old (second from the left in the photo) shook up the pop world a decade ago when he announced he was gay. The Irish pop group had a huge teenage female fan base at the time and had sold millions of albums before splitting in 2000. The band reunited in 2008 for a successful tour.

Gately and his partner, Andrew Cowles, wed in a civil union in 2006.

The cause of death is not yet known.

_______

Take a look at some other pop stars whose lives were cut short.