2FM presenter Dave Fanning has claimed that the drugs element of Gerry Ryan’s death has been “overplayed”.
The Montrose star is annoyed that he has been called a “drug addict” after only elements of cocaine were found in his blood when he died.
“I think the whole drugs thing was overplayed. No one said that he was a drug addict — there was just residue of cocaine in his blood and what does that necessarily mean?,” he said.
“I didn’t know any thing about his life because I wasn’t hanging around with him, but I certain- ly don’t judge him by that.
Loved life: Gerry Ryan | VIPIRELAND.COM
“There was a lot of drama around his death — eight pages in newspapers and things like that. Who did they think he was, One Direction? We’re reminded that we miss him, but that’s the way life is, and you just move on.
‘’With all due respect, and I don’t mean to sound cruel, but it’s not like it was Ursula or one of my kids.
“Obviously, it’s different for Gerry’s wife and children. It has been hard for Morah, but a lot of it is water under the bridge now. ”
And Dave told the Irish Independent that he had actually fallen out with Gerry before his death in 2010.
Meeting: Dave with Lottie Ryan | VIPIRELAND.COM
“Gerry and I were extraordinary pals for the first 15 years, but we weren’t for the last eight, only because I didn’t go where he went,” he said.
“He was into food and would go to the Four Seasons, which was-n’t my life at all, but I wouldn’t say he wasn’t a friend.
“The year before he died, we went to O’Donoghue’s with Ryan Tubridy, and Gerry couldn’t believe that he had to stand up.
“We were like, ‘Not everywhere is the Four Seasons, Gerry. You might actually have to go up to the bar’.”
