Ronan Keating and Boyzone still heartbroken 13 years after Stephen Gateley’s death

Boyzone’s Ronan Keating has shared a touching tribute to late bandmate, Stephen Gately, who died 13 years ago from a congenital heart defect

Bandmates from 90s boy band Boyzone have paid tribute to their late member, Stephen Gateley, who died 13 years ago, at the age of 33.

Ronan Keating, 45, and Keith Duffy, 48, took to their Instagram pages on Monday, to mark 13 years to the day that their friend and bandmate died from a pulmonary oedema.

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In Ronan’s emotional post, he admitted that he had a “heavy heart” as he shared a number of photos with Stephen, during their Boyzone days.

The singer and presenter wrote: “13 years and doesn’t get any easier because I know how much living ya had in ya. Miss ya dude. A heavy heart.”

Stephen tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 33, due to an undetected congenital heart defect.

Stephen Gately tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 33, due to an undetected congenital heart defect. (Getty Images)Stephen Gately tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 33, due to an undetected congenital heart defect. (Getty Images)
Stephen Gately tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 33, due to an undetected congenital heart defect. (Getty Images)

One photo shows the band meeting Prince Charles in July 1998, at The Party in the Park Prince’s Trust Concert.

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Another shows a personal group shot of the band, having a bite to eat together. As well as a few stylized boy band magazine, photoshoots.

Ronan’s celebrity friends flooded the comments, to share their own tributes to the late Boyzone star.

Sean Maguire, who was a popular actor and pop star in the 90s, wrote: “Miss him too,” which he posted alongside a broken heart emoji.

Boyzone members (L-R) Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch pose backstage prior to their pre-tour gig, their first show together in 8 years, at G.A.Y. on March 1, 2008 in London, England.  (Photo by Getty Images)Boyzone members (L-R) Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch pose backstage prior to their pre-tour gig, their first show together in 8 years, at G.A.Y. on March 1, 2008 in London, England.  (Photo by Getty Images)
Boyzone members (L-R) Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch pose backstage prior to their pre-tour gig, their first show together in 8 years, at G.A.Y. on March 1, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Whilst Peter Andre, Denise Van Outen and Ryan Thomas all commented with red love hearts.

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While fellow Boyzone bandmate, Keith Duffy took to his Instagram page, and referred to Stephen as “My guardian angel.”

He wrote: “13 years my guardian Angel ! I’ll never meet another living soul who loved me as unconditionally and honestly as my buddy Steo !” He continued, “Miss you every single day.”

Duffy posted a photo alongside the heartfelt tribute which was taken at their first show together in 8 years, at G.A.Y. in London. The shot was taken in March 2008, the year before Gateley’s tragic death.

Boyzone perform on stage at the 02 Arena on May 30, 2008 in London, England.  (Photo by Getty Images)Boyzone perform on stage at the 02 Arena on May 30, 2008 in London, England.  (Photo by Getty Images)
Boyzone perform on stage at the 02 Arena on May 30, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Boyzone were an Irish boy band famously formed by Louis Walsh in 1993, they later gained success with hit songs, like “Love Me For a Reason” (1994), “Words” (1996), and “No Matter What” (1998).

Stephen Gateley tragically passed away whilst at his holiday home in Port D’Andratx, Mallorca, and was discovered by his husband of six years, Andrew Cowles.

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