Stephen Gately died of natural causes

Spanish authorities have confirmed Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died of natural causes.

Stephen Gately died of natural causes, Spanish authorities have confirmed following a post-mortem. The Boyzone singer suffered pulmonary oedema, an accumulation of fluid on the lungs the examination established. Several newspapers have since speculated that this means Stephen had in fact choked on his own vomit following a night out. However, the condition can result from a variety of reasons including flaws in the respiratory system, heart problems or damaged lungs. A spokeswoman for the Spanish authorities told press that although she could not say whether Gately had been taking any drugs or alcohol beforehand, they were not the cause of his death. She also added, a toxicology report is still due and a sample of fluid found in Stephen's lungs was taken during the post-mortem exam and will be sent to a forensic laboratory in Barcelona for further tests to confirm the result.

Following a short investigation a judge has authorised Gately's civil partner, Andrew Cowles, and family to take his body home to Ireland so funeral arrangements can be made, the BBC reports. Gerald Kean, the Gately's family lawyer, said papers have been signed to allow the release of his body. "The family's only wish is to get their son and brother home as soon as possible," he said.

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