LOVE ISLE CAROLINE DEAD AT 40
Tributes to TV presenter after Valentine heartbreak
As the face of Love Island, Caroline Flack became one of the most dynamic and vital figures in modern British television.
But a sudden series of troubling events beginning at the end of last year meant her life took a sudden, and very public, downward spiral.
It reached a tragic conclusion yesterday when she was found dead at the age of 40, having taken her own life in her east London flat.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, colleagues and fans of the presenter.
There was immediate anger among some over her treatment after charges of assault, which followed an alleged incident in her home with boyfriend Lewis Burton.
Last December, Caroline denied assaulting the model in an incident that left them both covered in blood in scenes likened to a “horror movie”.
She stepped down as the host of the winter series of Love Island after it was alleged she hit Lewis, 27, with a lamp, causing a head injury.
But former professional tennis player Lewis said he did not support the prosecution and insisted he was not a victim. He spoke out in defence of Caroline, saying she had become the subject of a “witch hunt”.
Nevertheless, the case had gone ahead and she was due to appear for trial on March 4.
A statement from Caroline’s family yesterday said: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, February 15. We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”
ITV said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news. Caroline was a much- loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.”
BBC presenter Dan Walker