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Boyzone organising fitting farewell for Stephen Gately

Thursday, 15 October 2009

5/10/2009 Ronan Keating, his wife Yvonne and Stephen Gately arriving at The Pride of Britain Awards 2009, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London

5/10/2009 Ronan Keating, his wife Yvonne and Stephen Gately arriving at The Pride of Britain Awards 2009, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London

Boyzone are organising a fitting farewell for their tragic bandmate because "it’s the way Stephen would have wanted it".

Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy visited Jennings Funeral home on Amiens Street yesterday afternoon to arrange their friend’s burial.

Gerald Kean, lawyer and spokesperson for the Gately family, has said that “the family are so delighted that the lads from Boyzone are so involved and taking such an active role.

“It’s the way Stephen would have wanted it. Ronan, Mikey, Keith and Shane have been wonderful.”

Shane Lynch flew to London from Majorca, and is expected to meet up with his fellow grieving bandmates in the coming days.

The three boyband members also visited the Gately home in Sherrif Street yesterday to discuss the funeral with the family and to comfort Stephen’s parents Martin and Margaret.

“They are all just completely numb, but both Stephen’s family and the lads got great comfort from the visit” said a Boyzone insider.

“They now want to honour him in the best way possible at his funeral.”

At the post mortem yesterday in the Majorcan capital of Palma, it was revealed that Gately (33) had died from natural causes.

It was described as “pulmonary oedema” which is a build up of fluid in the lungs.

A spokesperson for the court has confirmed that Gately did not die in a choking accident.

“I can categorically state that he did not choke on his own vomit”.

Mikey Graham spoke out angrily at media claims that the death had been caused by alcohol or drug abuse.

“Stephen passed away innocently, unlike what some media sources are trying to insinuate.

“Their comments are so hurtful and untrue.”

It is now believed that the tragic singer died from an underlying heart condition which can cause “pulmonary oedema”.

“Pulmonary oedema” can be a result of lung infections, smoke inhalation or adverse reactions to drugs, household or illegal, but is most likely due to an underlying heart condition.

The Gately family has revealed that heart conditions have plagued the family and his mother has spoken of her relief that there is now closure on the cause of her son’s death. The family is relieved that the question of whether the singer’s death had been caused by drink or drugs has been put to bed.

“Margaret felt all along Stephen died from a heart-related problem,” said Gerald Kean.

“There is a heart condition on his dad Martin’s side of the family. The whole family are now going to have themselves checked out after this in case they have the same problem Stephen had.”

The funeral of Stephen Gately will take place in the St Laurence O’ Toole Church in Dublin’s inner city on Saturday, a stone’s throw from where he was raised.

Tragic partner Andy Cowles (32) had to answer questions on the final hours of Stephen’s life in a harrowing ordeal at the Palma courthouse yesterday.

“There were no signs of violence” said the court spokesperson. “The judge has authorised Stephen’s family to take his body back home. The court will wait on definitive results of tests from Barcelona.”

Comments

34 Comments

Always liked Boyzone's music. Lost our son John aged 38, June 09, very suddenly, just like Stephen. Find it very hard to accept and adjust to life without him, as do the rest of the family, so our thoughts are with Stephen's parents, and family. So many tears shed, and still to be shed. It seems that we will forever be sad. Time does not seem to heal, just hope that it will help to deal with the loss. Our thoughts with all who loved Stephen, and who miss him so much. Love and sympathy.

Posted by Ian & Sue Peacock | 21.03.10, 21:28 GMT

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I loved the band not only because of their music but because the boys stood for everything that young people today should aspire to. Stephen was a beautiful human being who always had time for his fans, particularly the youngsters who wanted to grow up to be as successul as him.
In this world of greed and hatred what better role model could our youngsters have.
My love goes to Andy and Steos family. He is an angel that will watch over the boyz and his family forever. Thank you, Lord, for letting us share Stephen.

Posted by Jenny | 17.10.09, 22:41 GMT

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Lumos, Stephen Gately!

I send you a fully hand of star dust in the rainbow country. If he may bring you up there light and protect you. Oh yes, if you meet Robert Knox please greet him from me.

Many thanks and many greetings
from Sonja with Robert Knox completely, completely, deeply in the heart.

Rest in peace Stephen Patrick David Gately.

---------------------------1976 - 2009---------------------------------

Posted by Sonja | 17.10.09, 19:25 GMT

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God bless stephen may he rest in peace and my heart goes out to his family and boyzone Be at peace amen

Posted by Damian | 17.10.09, 12:13 GMT

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They don't have any details. They just wright and hope they can sell it. Not knowing they make no friends by doing it. Its very sad for everyone involved in Stephens life. Over in Holland I had my share also. If anyone talks bad and tell lies about anyone of them, they are out of my life. Love Stephen forever. My best to all. Also the fans.

Posted by Yt Verbroekken | 16.10.09, 14:37 GMT

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why do papers like the daily star have details of stephens sex life on their front page,or even reported in the paper at all. this is not news and i think that they should keep their noses out of lifestyle. i can feel nothing but anger at the gutter press stooping so low and having no feelings for stephens family and loved ones who must be outraged at this. for gods sake leave them to grieve in peace.

Posted by steve | 16.10.09, 11:15 GMT

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My heart go's out to you all. Stephen is loved and always will be. Please let them talk. If that is all they can do. We know that Steo is the most dearest darling, husband and friend for all of us. R.I.P Stephen. For always in my heart. Thank you for everything!

Posted by Yt Verbroekken | 16.10.09, 11:14 GMT

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Stephen you gave us much joy in our life especially with that lovely smile. you will never be forgotten because when we think of you it will be always be you smiling with them lovely bright eyes. My mum loved you and she was a young one of 76 years. To the whole of Stephen's family, his partner, Mr Walsh,boyzone and all his friends I am so sorry for your loss and my family and I are thinking of you here in England at this very sad time especially today and tomorrow. I think Stephen will be looking down on you all with a lovely smile as you will do him proud tomorrow love The Hastie Family xx

Posted by Dawn Hastie | 16.10.09, 08:50 GMT

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I have been a boyzone fan for about 16yrs and im devistated im still crying about it.my thoughts are with his family,boyzone and his partner. A golden heart stopped beating,two sparkling eyes at rest, god broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.Its not goodbye its see you later, sleep tight, love you xx

Posted by Mary chaney | 16.10.09, 01:33 GMT

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Rest in Peace Stephen :(. You really were amazing and your death has come as such a shock to us all. I have grown up to your music and will never forget you. I think you were an amazin influence to not only people in the gay community but also to people who would love to be singers. You were proof that your dream can come true " no matter what ". I send my condolences to his partner Andrew, his family and friends, the remaining members of Boyzone and his good friend Louis Walsh. Love you Stephen <3

Posted by Lauren | 16.10.09, 01:03 GMT

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god bless stephen.will never forget your version of "single ladies".have to admit you werent quite my favourite of the boyz [i'm more mikeys girl!] but i cant get you out of my head since hearing the news of your death at the weekend.so shocking.my heart goes out to his husband andrew his family and of course the boyz.i know what its like to lose a friend so young.the good always die young.r.i.p lol

Posted by scd | 15.10.09, 22:37 GMT

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such a tragic loss,i loved you from the begining you were beautiful both inside and out and you will always be in my heart, my thoughts are with your partner and family and may god help them in this time of need all my love samantha dean x x x

Posted by samantha dean | 15.10.09, 20:42 GMT

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i am ricky holt and i live in wellingborough and i am a big fan off boyzone and i am abig fan of stephen gaytely i am sad :(:( and i will miss him forever and forever

Posted by ricky holt | 15.10.09, 19:32 GMT

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R.I.P. Stephen i love you so much and will never forget you, I know it sounds corney but you really will live on in my heart forever I will never take down my posters of you I will continue to listen to your music and watch your videos, you have always been a major and special part of my life and will always continue to be. Love you, love Heather xxx

Posted by Heather Ashley | 15.10.09, 15:36 GMT

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rest in peace stephen, may god be with you. all the condolence to his family ant the boyzone members. we have lost you but god gained an angel we love you i cant beleive it.

Posted by marisabelle | 15.10.09, 15:27 GMT

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Shocked, sad, sorry to know that Stephen is gone, too soon.
Will miss your beautiful music, sweet and loving nature, and the joy you spread with your lovely voice and angelic smile.
Its a new beginning for you, and for all those who loved you, or who have been touched by your magical and artistic creations.
There was so much more you would have shared with us all.
A true blue Irish lad, and so very mischievous at the same time, we have lost a shining star.
You will be sorely missed. RIP Stephen.
My heartfelt condolences to Stephen’s family, husband Andrew, brothers in Boyzone, and all who loved Stephen - be strong, be safe - Stephen will be with us always, and never forgotten, no matter what...

Posted by Roshini Roy | 15.10.09, 13:23 GMT

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Stephen's sudden death was such a great tragedy. I am still in shock. I have taken this so badly. I was a fan Of Boyzone since 1996 and although Ronan was my favourite member at the time, I was always very fond of Stevie. He had such a beautiful singing voice and a lovely personality to match. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family, Boyzone and Louis. "I know this love's forever, that's all that matters now no matter what". RIP Stevie

Posted by Emma Magee | 15.10.09, 13:21 GMT

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Rest in peace Stephen

Posted by Éamonn | 15.10.09, 12:44 GMT

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Rest in peace Stephen, and thank you for declaring your true self and for living your life as a spiritual gay. Thank you.

Posted by Budi | 15.10.09, 12:30 GMT

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What a tragedy,a well respected and talented young man he will be sadly missed,the world needs more people like him to make it a better place.RIP Stephen,condolences to your mum,dad and family.Praying for you all.x

Posted by rosemarie campion | 15.10.09, 08:51 GMT

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