Shock and sadness at death of Sophie’s ‘lovely lad’
CONDOLENCES ARE SENT TO BOTH FAMILIES AFTER BOYFRIEND AARON DIES JUST WEEKS AFTER TRAGEDY
Reporter THE death of “lovely lad” Aaron Armstrong has left people across the region shocked and saddened.
The 25-year-old died just weeks after his partner, former Love Island star and Miss Newcastle Sophie Gradon, lost her life aged 32.
Aaron, from Blyth, was found dead in the early hours of Tuesday morning, just days after saying farewell to Sophie at her funeral, last Thursday.
Aaron’s friend Nick Warnes, 27, spoke of his devastation at his pal’s death, saying he had seen him on Friday and couldn’t believe he was gone.
Nick told The Chronicle: “He was a happy-go-lucky, normal lad, just one of the boys. I was with Aaron on Friday, I gave him a cuddle, and that was the last I heard.”
Reflecting on their seven-year friendship, he remembered “having a laugh together” and enjoying going out on the town.
As the tragic news broke on Tuesday night, Facebook and Instagram was filled with tributes to Aaron.
Commenting on the Chronicle Live Facebook page, friend Steven George Taylor, said: “So sad, rest in peace Aaron, I’ll never forget your cheeky comments while I was on the doors, you will be missed a lot. Sleep tight big man!!”
Sharing memories of messing about in cars with him, a pal on Instagram said: “My heart’s absolutely breaking again... rest in peace my love.”
Another comment called Aaron a “lovely lad, gone way too soon”.
In a Facebook post, Aaron’s friend Luke Mcdonagh wrote: “You took me on the craziest adventures and have given me the very best memories. You also taught me a lot of life lessons and for all of this I am so grateful. I will do everything in my power to try and stay strong and help your family through this devastating time. Til we meet again, brother, love you.”
Commenting on our Facebook page, Bill Proud said: “RIP bonny lad.”
The couple’s deaths, so close together, shocked many, with hundreds of comments sending condolences to their families and sharing their horror at the news.
Nicola Lockey wrote: “So sad, there are just no words, RIP Sophie and now Aaron too.”
Emma Tulip Ward wrote: “Saddest story, I feel such sorrow for both families, such an absolute waste of young lives. Bless them all.”
Joan Belshaw wrote: “This is so sad, God bless them both. My heart goes out to both their families and friends, it’s so heartbreaking for their loved ones. Hope you’re both flying high together forever.”
Former Miss Newcastle and Love Island contestant Sophie died suddenly on June 20.
Heartbroken Aaron shared some of his grief on social media. In a poignant last Instagram post, he wrote: “Just wish I could cuddle you all day.”
He added: “Every day we spent together was amazing”.