How Boyzone's Stephen Gately died as bandmates share touching tributes in new Sky documentary

The tragic and sudden death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately is featured in the boyband's new documentary series.

Boyzone: No Matter What covers the boyband during the peak of their popularity and features archive and new interviews with Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch as well as manager Louis Walsh.

Together, the Irish boyband enjoyed massive success in the UK, with 21 singles in the top 40 and 22 in the Irish charts. They had six UK No.1 singles and nine in Ireland.

The three-part series, to be available on Sky Documentaries and NOW from Sunday (February 2), will cover the huge moments of their band, including the moment they discovered the sudden death of bandmate and friend Stephen Gately.

Stephen Gately was just 33 years old when he passed away in 2009, with countless tributes from fans, musicians, and celebrities shared. Known for his charity work and kindness, Gately was also praised as a "gay rights hero".

Who was Boyzone's Stephen Gately and how did he die?

Following the split from Boyzone, Stephen Gately embarked on a solo career and released the album New Beginning which reached number nine in the UK album charts. He also played the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as make various TV appearances.

Stephen Gately was enjoying being back with Boyzone after a successful reunion tour and had wrapped production on their comeback album.

On October 9, 2009, Stephen was out with his partner of six years, Andrew, at the Black Cat Club in Palma. They returned in the early hours of October 10 to their apartment in Port d'Andratx, Majorca with a man they met that night, Georgi Dochev.

Georgi left the apartment the following morning and found Gately's unresponsive body on the sofa. Cowles tried to revive his partner and called the emergency services.

Unfortunately, the 33-year-old Gately could not be revived. A post-mortem and toxicology tests showed Gately died due to a pulmonary oedema caused by an undiagnosed heart condition.

In the new Sky series, Ronan Keating recalled calling his bandmates to share the sad news. Following Stephen's untimely death, the remaining members of Boyzone shared an emotional joint statement: "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen.

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

Packed inside and outside St Laurence O’Toole Church in Stephen’s home city of Dublin on October 17, 2009, around 4,000 fans, friends and family – including his distraught partner Andrew Cowles – were also brought to tears, as his boyband pals made touching, heartfelt eulogies.

Keith Duffy, Michael Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch all carried his coffin into and out of the church. Ronan Keating choked back tears as he summed up their tragic friend Stephen Gately in a heartwrenching funeral tribute.

“For Stephen, we will carry on, but it will never be the same without him,” he said, turning to his coffin in front of 500 loved-ones – and momentarily having to hold his breath to stop him from breaking down.

“We have lost our brother and I have lost my wing man... A beautiful man who is now the perfect angel – forever young and never forgotten.”

Boyzone's album was released earlier than planned in March 2010 and dedicated the album Brother to Stephen. Gately's vocals featured on Boyzone's final album in a song called I Can Dream.

On the 15th anniversary of his death in 2024, Ronan posted a photograph of Stephen back in the day, writing: "15 Years," alongside a broken heart emoji.

His fellow bandmates Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham also paid tribute. "76-09-10-10," wrote Shane, while Keith added: "A Brother's Heart Steo, my brother, my friend. It's been 15 years since you left us, but the memories of you remain as vivid as ever.

"Your laughter, your spirit, your infectious energy - they're a constant in my life. I miss you dearly. Love always."