London, October 12 : Late singer Stephen Gately from the band Boyzone died because of an eight-hour drinking binge, it has emerged.

The pop star had gone on a night out with civil partner Andy Cowles to the gay club `Black Cat' at Majorca's capital Palma.

The pair was reportedly seen gulping down potent cocktails and white wine in the bar.

Later, they met 25-year-old Bulgarian Giorgi Duchev, with whom they returned to their 1-million-pound apartment to continue drinking, reports The Sun.

A partygoer, who shared a drink with them, said: "Stephen was totally trashed."

Andy had apparently gone off to sleep at around 5.30am, with Stephen lying asleep on a sofa, before finding him dead at mid-day.

Stephen was positioned in a strange "prayer position" - squatting on the floor with his head face down on a pillow on the sofa.

Police have suggested he choked on his vomit.

Meanwhile, cops are presently trying to trace Duchev.

A source said: "We do not believe there is foul play but his testimony is vital." (ANI)