Stephen Gately Died of Natural Causes, Police Say

LONDON, Oct. 13, 2009 — -- Irish boy-band star Stephen Gately died of natural causes, not from binge drinking or drug consumption, Spanish police said. Autopsy results from Gately's unexpected death during a vacation in Majorca, Spain, were revealed at a court hearing today.

Officials told the court that Gately, 33, suffered a pulmonary oedema, or a build up of fluid in the lungs, which ultimately results in respiratory failure. The condition is usually caused by damage to lung tissue or circulation problems.

Police would not confirm whether Gately had been drinking or taking drugs before his death but ruled them out as causes of his death.

After the witness statements and tests are confirmed, the judge noted, the case will be closed. The judge also gave Gately's family and his partner, Andy Cowles, permission to take the singer's body home to Ireland.

Cowles attended today's hearing and left court looking visibly upset.

Gately, the first Irish, boy-band star to come out as gay during his stint in the band Boyzone, was on vacation with Cowles when he was found dead on the sofa at 1:45 a.m. Saturday.

Media reports raised questions about whether the young star had died because of an overdose of drugs or from alcohol abuse, even as a Gately family spokesman denounced such reports, saying, "There is nothing untoward. It's not drugs, we don't believe. It's not suicide, it's not murder, it's not a fight. That's what we've been told."

Gately Battled Depression, Drug Addiction

One of Boyzone's two lead singers, Gately was known as a quiet, introspective man, fond of exploring alternative therapies such as crystals and meditation. He spoke of his battles with depression, suffering a two-year addiction to prescription drugs when the band split up in 2000.

Pop star Sir Elton John helped the singer end his addiction, introducing him to his long-term partner, businessman Andy Cowles, who was in Majorca with him.

John said Sunday he was "stunned by this tragedy," describing Gately as "the kindest, gentlest soul. ...We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."

Gately's former band colleagues also expressed their grief on Gately's official Web site, saying he was "our friend and brother.

"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more," a statement said.

"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."

Boyzone scored six No. 1 hits during the 1990s and Gately, in particular, won praise from many for coming out as gay at the age of 23.

Gately was compelled to acknowledge his homosexuality publicly when a former member of the band's security detail threatened to sell his story to the tabloids.

On June 16, 1999, Gately gave an interview to Britain's The Sun newspaper, saying, "I'm gay and I'm in love."

He described the decision to come out as "the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I owe it to our fans -- as well as myself -- to be completely honest.

"I know this may come as a bombshell to our followers. Many of them may be upset. I only hope they understand how important it is for me to reveal that I am gay."

By doing so, Gately broke a taboo, and Boyzone's manager, Louis Walsh, said that if he had known about Gately's sexuality when he formed the band, he wouldn't have selected him because "it wasn't cool then to have a gay guy in a band."

But the anticipated backlash from the band's mostly female fans did not materialize and after the band broke up, Gately enjoyed some success as a solo artist.

His only solo album, "New Beginning," made it to the U.K. Top 10 and produced three hit singles. He also starred in several musicals, including Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2003 to 2004.

Facebook Tributes to Gately Pour In

He and Boyzone's other members reunited in February 2008, selling out two concert tours. The band also released two new singles, with the video for one of the songs, "Better," showing two men embracing in a montage of romantic couples.

The video aroused some controversy, with a Northern Ireland Presbyterian minister, the Rev. David McCullough, saying it was "yet another subtle effort of the homosexual propaganda machine.

"This video, that will be watched by millions, is sending out a deadly message to young people. It is stating that homosexuality is simply another norm," McCullough said.

Some public criticism notwithstanding, Gately appeared to have found peace in his private life. His Roman Catholic parents had accepted his homosexuality four years before his public admission, he told The Sun.

He underwent a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas with Cowles in 2003, and his most recent project was said to be a children's fantasy novel, "The Tree of Seasons."

His last message on Twitter, posted Oct. 6, alluded to the book, saying, "Still busy -- lots going on. Focusing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."

Hundreds of fans posted messages on Gately's Facebook page, expressing their shock and sadness at his death.

Emily Louise Smith wrote, "As part of Boyzone, u were a big part of my life growing up. ... It hurts to know u are gone and the memories u and the lads shared will always be cherished."

Suzannah Summers posted a message saying, "RIP Stephen, it's such a shame to hear that you have left us at such an early age, i was so shocked. ... you'll always be missed but forever in the hearts and minds of your fans."