Stephen Gately died of natural causes, post mortem examination finds

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Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died of a pulmonary oedema, or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs, a post mortem examination has found.

The gay star was found dead at a Majorcan apartment on Saturday, where he was staying with his civil partner.

Although pulmonary oedema was found to be the cause of death, it is not yet clear why this developed.

A court official confirmed the findings but would not comment on whether Gately had taken any drugs or alcohol, or whether he had vomited.

His body will be released to his family shortly.

Today, the Bulgarian clubber who returned to the Majorcan apartment where Gately died has spoken of his shock at finding the singer’s body.

Georgi Dochev said he found Gately dead on a sofa in the flat on Saturday and alerted the star’s civil partner Andy Cowles. He said he had barely slept since making the discovery.

Gately had been out clubbing with Cowles, 31 and Dochev.

The star was found kneeling against the sofa with his head in a pillow. Cowles and Dochev tried to revive him but were unsuccessful.

The remaining members of Boyzone have now returned to the UK after flying out to console Cowles. They are said to be returning to the island in several days to bring Gately’s body back once it has been released by police.

The star was one of the first celebrities to come out as gay, and later became one of the first to have a civil partnership.

He joined Boyzone in 1993 and stayed with the band until it split in 2000. Gately then enjoyed a brief solo career before turning to acting in musicals.

Boyzone regrouped earlier this year. Last month, they were nominated for Stonewall’s Entertainer of the Year award. The winner will be revealed on November 5th.

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