Irish singer Stephen Gately has died at the age of 33.
The Boyzone star — who caused a sensation in the pop music world 10 years ago when he came out as gay — apparently passed away after going out in Majorca, where he was on holiday.
“It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up,” a pal told Britain’s News of The World.
“We’re all absolutely devastated,” added Boyzone manager Louis Walsh. “I’m in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don’t know much about what’s happened yet.
“I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man.”
All four remaining members of Boyzone — who recently reunited for a series of gigs — will be flying to Palma, Majorca tomorrow, according to the NOTW.
“Me and the boys are flying out in the morning,” said Shane Lynch.
“We just need to get over to where he’s passed and work out what we need to do.”
Ronan Keating, who is in Chicago, has been left devastated.
“Ronan is completely distraught,” said an insider. “No-one saw this coming. He loved Stephen like a brother, they were so close, it’s absolutely floored him.
“It’s a massive shock to everyone and no one can take it in yet. He was a man in the prime of his life, and this is a huge tragedy.”
Gately leaves a partner Andrew Cowles, who he married in a civil union in March, 2006.
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