LOVE ISLAND STAR IS FOUND DEAD AGE 32
Boyfriend leads tributes to tragic Sophie Gradon
FORMER Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon has been found dead at the age of 32.
The ex-Miss Great Britain paired up with Thomas Powell on the ITV2 show in 2016 before forming a relationship with Katie Salmon to become its first same-sex couple.
Police said they do not believe there are “any suspicious circumstances” surrounding Sophie’s death.
Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who she called “the one”, announced her death on Facebook, saying he was “absolutely devastated”.
Posting a picture of them together, he wrote: “I will never forget that smile, I love you so much baby, you’re my world forever and always.”
Love Island host Caroline Flack said: “So very sad. Such a beautiful soul, such a beautiful smile. Thoughts and love with friends and family.”
Olivia Buckland, who appeared on the show with Sophie, said: “I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Your smile was one in a million.”
Sophie was found dead at her parents’ home in Ponteland, Northumberland, on Wednesday evening.
She had told fans on social media she had mental health problems last year, writing on Twitter: “Hi guys, no not dead just battling a little bit of depression. I’ll come back I promise.” In another tweet, she spoke of being “a total recluse... afraid to go out anywhere because of crippling anxiety”. On Tuesday she posted a video describing Aaron as the love of her life and “the one”. Three days earlier she had paid tribute on social media to Newcastle nightclub boss Paul Burns, a friend who died age 37 earlier this month, as “a true saint”. In another post on Twitter, she said: “I genuinely feel that when true and honest human souls get taken away from us, they are the ones who have found the meaning in life.” Northumbria Police said a report will now be prepared for the coroner.
You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul... Your smile was one in a million
OLIVIA BUCKLAND WHO WAS ON LOVE ISLAND WITH SOPHIE PAYS RESPECTS