Ronan Keating pictured with Stephen Gately

Stephen Gately’s grieving family have spoken out in defence of the Boyzone star who died suddenly whilst on holiday in Majorca over the weekend. Today reports have emerged through the press which suggest that the singer had undergone an 8-hour drinking binge and had possibly choked on his own vomit as a result. The 33-year-old’s family have totally rubbished the claims and say they have evidence which completely contradicts this theory.

A lawyer acting on behalf of the Gately family said a close relative had spoken to Stephen at 12:30am just before he left the apartment for a night out with civil partner Andrew Cowles. After partying in a gay nightclub until 4am, the couple headed home accompanied by a third man they met whilst out. The family lawyer stated that “An 8-hour drinking session is something we do not accept” adding, “Our information would suggest it is simply wrong.”

Spanish police have ruled out any foul play announcing officially that there were “no signs of suspicious circumstances.” A full post mortem has had to be delayed until tomorrow as today is a national holiday in Spain.

Suicide has also been ruled out with friends and relatives commenting on how happy the singer has been recently. He is said to have been in a good place both personally and professionally and was in the finishing stages of completing a children’s book, a new venture for the pop star and one he was enjoying immensely.

Stephen was last seen out publically at the Pride of Britain Awards alongside fellow Boyzone band member, Ronan Keating, last week. Yesterday the remaining Boyzone singers flew out to Majorca to comfort Stephen’s partner. In a band statement issued on their official website the boys wrote “We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother.”