Tragic BOYZONE star STEPHEN GATELY was found dead in an upright kneeling ‘praying position', it has been revealed.

The 33-year-old singer is believed to have choked on his own vomit following a night out in Majorca where he was on holiday.

The singer was discovered by friend Andy Cowles who desperately tried to revive him using CPR.

A source tells The Sun newspaper, "Andy tried mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When everything failed he even slapped him across the face. But doctors later confirmed Stephen's lungs had filled with fluid. There was nothing Andy could have done. He had drowned and asphyxiated."

Police investigating the incident have dismissed rumours of foul play and an autopsy is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

Meanwhile Gately's bandmates Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy paid a heartfelt tribute to their late "brother", before landing at Majorca airport on Sunday night (11Oct09).

The group says, "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more. Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever, 'Steo'."