Boyzone Singer Dies on Vacation

Stephen Gately made headlines when he came out in 1999. He revealed his sexual orientation to a British newspaper.

According to the group's official website, Gately "tragically died" on Saturday while visiting the island of Mallorca with his partner Andrew. The cause of death was not immediately clear. Gately and his partner Andrew Cowles were wed in a civil union in 2006.

Gately joined Boyzone in 1993 after answering an advertisement in Dublin to audition for Ireland's first boyband. Boyzone enjoyed huge success with six number one singles in Britain. They split up in 2000, but had announced a comeback tour late last year.

According to the AP, Stephen Gately died of natgural causes, a family friend said.

"There's no foul play involved, and it's not suicide. It's just a tragic accident is what we've been told, and we're happy that that is correct information," Gerald Kean said. "There is nothing untoward. It's not drugs, we don't believe. It's not suicide. It's not murder. It's not a fight. That's what we've been told."

An autopsy is expected to be conducted Tuesday.