Love Island pays on-air tribute to late Sophie Gradon

From Digital Spy

Love Island has paid on-air tribute to former cast member Sophie Gradon hours after her tragic death.

Gradon's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong shared the sad news on Thursday (June 21) that Gradon had passed away at the age of 32, drawing tributes from several of her former Love Island co-stars.

(Love Island's on-air tribute)

The ITV2 reality competition acknowledged Gradon's passing at the opening of Thursday's (June 21) with a message "in loving memory" of the star as well a brief moment of silence in her honour.

Fans were overcome with emotion as the show referenced Sophie Gradon's death.

Earlier in the day, the official Love Island Twitter account shared "deepest sympathies and thoughts" with Gradon's family and friends on behalf of the whole production team.

Gradon made history during her time on Love Island in 2016 for being part of the dating competition's first-ever same-sex pairing with Katie Salmon. Shortly after news of Gradon's passing broke, Salmon penned an emotional memorial message on social media.

"I urge everyone to be kind to every person they meet and speak to on social media and in person a simple smile a simple nice comment can really make a difference, you really don't know the battles they go through every single day," Salmon wrote on Twitter.

"The world has failed you beautiful. I'm heartbroken for you Soph to have to feel this pain. I wish there was more help out there.

"Your smile will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones at this horrendous times. Too young, too sweet, too kind."

Love Island presenter Caroline Flack called the star's death "so sad" in her own tweet, adding: "Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family."

Northumbria Police confirmed Gradon's death in a statement on Thursday, saying: "At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner."

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