Stephen Gately choked to death on his own vomit

Stephen Gately died in his sleep when he choked on his vomit after drinking at a gay club until 6am.

The Boyzone star, 33, was found at his £1million apartment in Majorca in his pyjamas kneeling against the sofa with his face buried in a pillow.

He was discovered by his distraught partner Andy Cowles on Saturday afternoon. The pair, who were on holiday, had been partying at the club together.

A family friend said: “The family have been told the most likely scenario is Stephen had a bit too much to drink, vomited in his sleep and choked. It was a terrible accident.”

Stephen is thought to have been drinking wine and champagne at the Black Cat, Palma’s biggest gay nightclub.

One witness said: “He was with Andy when I arrived at 3am and they were still there when I left around 5.45am.

“They weren’t off their faces but they were drinking. They weren’t being rowdy – they were just two lads on a night out.

“Andrew was dancing and Stephen was jigging around. People went up and chatted to them but it was all very low-key.”

Lawyer Gerald Kean described Stephen’s death as a tragic accident.

He said: “There’s no foul play involved. There is nothing untoward. It’s not drugs, it’s not suicide, it’s not murder, it’s not a fight.” Another friend, who has known the singer for 10 years, said: “Stephen was the jester of the band. As far as I know, there were no health problems.

He suffered from depression in the past but he was the happiest and most confident he had been in years.

“As far as I know, he wasn’t a drug taker. The Irish boy bands tend to be drinkers.”

Investigators said Stephen was discovered in a crouching position. One said: “He was squatting down on the sofa almost in a praying

position. His partner was beside himself with grief.”

Stephen’s heartbroken bandmates Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch last night arrived at the flat near Port

Andratx to comfort Andy, 31. Earlier Ronan, 32, said: “I’m devastated. I can’t believe it’s real.

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“We’ve lost a best friend and a brother. Stephen was loved by every one of us. He was one of the most caring, compassionate and gentle people I’ve known.”

Mikey, 37, said: “Stephen was one of the best. We’re all trying to pull together to see what we should do from here.”

Boyzone’s distraught ex-manager Louis Walsh pulled out of last night’s live X Factor results show.

Louis, who had been at The Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards with Stephen last week, said: “We are all utterly devastated. Stephen was one in a million. He was the most grateful person, humble and modest.

“I’ve spoken to Andy and he is utterly devastated. He can’t believe he is gone.”

Stephen, known to bandmates by his nick name Steo, had told at the awards how contented he was. He said: “I’m really, really happy in my professional and personal life and everything has finally come together to for me.”

Sir Elton John yesterday led the tributes.

He said: “Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.” Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: “I know the family, I know Stephen. It’s a huge, huge tragedy.”

Fellow Irish boyband Westlife added: “We are, like everyone else, in shock today. Himself and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band. He was a friendly, spirit and a passionate performer.”

Boyzone, who had six No1 singles, split in 2000 but reformed last year. The lads had been together in London last week for a meeting about recording new material and a possible tour. Just hours before his death Stephen had texted Ronan to say: “I’m so excited about the new album.”

Scores of devastated fans posted tributes on the singer’s Facebook page.

Lynda Gammon wrote: “Heaven has gained an angel. We are so shocked.”

Fans also left tributes and lit candles outside Stephen’s North London home.

The singer’s body will be flown home later this week for a funeral in Dublin.

Spanish police are trying to trace a Bulgarian man called Giorgio who met Stephen and Andy at the club and returned to their flat with them.

A police source said: “We don’t think this man is involved at all in Stephen’s death but his testimony could prove vital in helping us get to the bottom of what’s happened.”

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