Stephen's Boyzone bandmates carry his coffin into St Laurence O'Toole church in Dublin for private viewing.
- Oct 17, 2009
AceShowbiz - Ahead of the planned funeral, a private vigil was held for the late Stephen Gately in Dublin's north inner city on Friday night, October 16. His Boyzone bandmates Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, and Shane Lynch were spotted among the mourners, which also included Stephen's parents and siblings.
Ronan, Keith, Mikey, and Shane were photographed carrying Stephen's coffin into St Laurence O'Toole church for private viewing. "About 300 local people and fans lined streets near St Laurence O'Toole Church paying their own tribute to the West End star with a gentle applause," Daily Mail reported.
In addition to them all, Irish boyband Westlife joined mourners in paying tribute to Stephen. They said, "We are here today as friends of Stephen, not as popstars. It's a shame that today we have to say goodbye to him like this. Our love and support goes out to Andy (Cowles) and the rest of Stephen's family. Also to Keith, Mikey, Ronan and Shane, who have lost their best friend."
Stephen Gately was enjoying a holiday with his same-sex partner Andrew Cowles when he was found dead on October 10 at his apartment on the Spanish resort island of Mallorca. A post-mortem on his body revealed he died of natural causes due to fluid on the lungs. A funeral is planned for Saturday, October 17 in his homeland Dublin, Ireland.
As a tribute to Stephen, bandmates Ronan and Shane have etched on their bodies his birth and death dates. Ronan has the dates etched on his right bicep, while Shane has them etched on his left hand.
