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Stephen Gately’s family ‘touched by messages of support’
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Andy Cowles, the partner of the late Stephen Gately, leaves the courthouse following a post mortem hearing on October 13, 2009 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Boyzone star, Stephen Gately died on Saturday night aged 33 whilst on holiday in Majorca
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The family of Stephen Gately yesterday broke their silence ahead of the Boyzone star's funeral this weekend.
His mother Margaret, father Martin, brothers Mark, Tony and Alan, and sister Michelle said they were still “trying to come to terms with the tragic loss”.
“The family would like to thank everybody for their extraordinary support,” the statement said.
It added that they were deeply moved by the many messages they have received from across Ireland and around the world.
They said they had been touched “by the wonderful portrayals” of their “beautiful son and brother, Stephen”.
They also confirmed his funeral will take place on Saturday in a church just yards from where the 33-year-old grew up and went to school.
“The family would like to confirm that their son and brother, Stephen, is returning to Ireland on Friday with a funeral service in St Laurence O'Toole's, which is taking place on Saturday at midday.”
They also emphasised that they never doubted that Stephen's death had been caused by anything other than natural causes.
His mother Margaret, when hearing of the results of the post-mortem, said that she believed that her son died from the same heart condition that has plagued the family in the past.
The heart condition comes from his father's side of the family, and it is suspected it may have played a part in Stephen's death.
The singer was found dead on a sofa in his apartment in Majorca on Saturday afternoon. Stephen became ill while he slept following a night out with his husband, Andrew Cowles (32), and a friend of the couple, who returned to their apartment with them.
Spokesman Gerald Kean also repeated yesterday that the couple's friend, Giorgio Dochev, stayed in the spare room of their apartment on Saturday night.
Following Tuesday's autopsy, preliminary tests indicated that Stephen had smoked cannabis but further tests are needed to confirm this.
Toxicology tests are expected back within a fortnight. It is not illegal to smoke cannabis in your private home under Spanish law. Selling and growing the drug is against the law.
“The family reiterate their position that they never had any doubts that Stephen died as a result of natural causes,” they added.
“The family are still trying to come to terms with the tragic loss and would like people to respect their privacy,” they added.
Preparations for the funeral service — expected to draw a crowd of thousands to the Sherriff Street church in Dublin's north inner city — continued yesterday, with Boyzone involved heavily in its planning.
Boyzone also released a statement in which they said that their “brother” was now resting in a chapel in Majorca.
“Stephen's body was released by Spanish authorities following an autopsy that confirmed that Stephen had died from natural causes,” it read. The band also thanked everyone who had sent messages of condolence.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Rest in peace Stephen
Posted by Éamonn | 15.10.09, 12:44 GMT
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
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
34 Comments