A post-mortem examination will be carried out this week on the body of singer Stephen Gately, who died Saturday while vacationing on the Spanish island of Majorca.
Gately, a member of the Irish band Boyzone, was on the island with his partner, Andrew Cowles, the band’s Web site said. Relatives of the 33-year-old singer and actor insisted his death was a “tragic accident” and that no foul play was involved, Britain’s Press Association reported Monday. Spanish police said there were “no signs of suspicious circumstances” after Gately was found dead at his home in the resort of Port Andratx on Saturday afternoon, PA added. Monday is a Spanish public holiday, so the examination of Gately is expected to take place Tuesday. In a statement on the Boyzone Web site, Gately’s fellow bandmates, Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch 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 four were reported to have flown out to the Mediterranean island following the news. Boyzone made history in the United Kingdom with 16 consecutive Top Five hits, according to Ticketmaster’s Web site. It’s one of Ireland’s best-selling bands, with six No. 1 singles in the United Kingdom, and four No. 1 albums, Ticketmaster said. The group, which separated in 2000 to pursue solo projects, reunited in 2008. Its greatest hits album — “Back Again … No Matter What” — was released last year. Gately joined the band in 1993 after answering an audition ad. “A lot of people didn’t think we would make it out of Ireland back then,” he said previously on the group’s Web site. “We were overwhelmed when Boyzone began to take off, it was incredible.”
