The pop star and actor was holidaying on the Spanish island when he died on Saturday, the group's official website confirmed.
He was with his husband Andrew at the time and the rest of the band are planning to head out to Majorca. Louis Walsh, the manager of Boyzone and X Factor judge, said in a newspaper interview: 'We're all absolutely devastated.'
Gately's bandmate Ronan Keating tweeted: 'Hi we are all devastated. Heading to mallorca to support Andrew. Thanx for your comments. R'
A statement on the bands official website said yesterday: 'Stephen tragically died whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Majorca. The rest of the boyz will be flying out today.'
Gately last used Twitter a week ago, when he told fans: 'still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here.'
The cause of Gately's death is not yet known, but it is believed he was on a night out with his partner Andy Cowles before he returned home and never woke up.
Louis Walsh told a Sunday newspaper: 'I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man.'
Twitter has been flooded with tributes to Gately, with Gok Wan tweeting 'RIP stephen x', Stephen Fry writing 'Just heard the very sad news about dear Stephen Gately. What a dreadful shock. He was loveable and sweet natured and will be hugely missed' and Fearne Cotton saying 'What sad sudden news about Stephen Gately. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.'
Former Irish prime minister, Bertie Ahern, who's daughter Georgina is the wife of Westlife member Nicky Byrne, said on the Andrew Marr show: 'Its just such a tragedy.
'They'd all been part of Irish life and something wider than that for so many years.'
No comments:
Post a Comment