Yahoo News Love Island stars pay tribute after Sophie Gradon death
Love Island's Sophie Gradon has died, aged just 32.
The tragic news was confirmed by her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong in a Facebook post, which read: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.
The former beauty pageant champion from Newcastle dated Tom Powell in the series and made the show's first LGBTQ+ pairing with Katie Salmon.
Now the show's presenter Caroline Flack and Sophie's co-stars have taken to social media to pay tribute, including Katie herself, who called for more mental health support.
Fly high beautiful so high! 💎❤️ pic.twitter.com/JPrqQgkPqC
- Katie Salmon (@katiesalmon24) June 21, 2018
So very sad . Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon ❤️
- caroline flack (@carolineflack1) June 21, 2018
Kady McDermott also echoed Katie's sentiment around mental health awareness.
Absolutely heartbroken to hear what happened to Soph. I am so glad to have experienced Love Island with you and to have known you. Kind gentle soul taken too young. Stay Shapey up there. RIP💔
- Kady McDermott (@kadymcdermottx) June 21, 2018
Make sure to go out of your way today to ask people how they are and to care, you never know what people are truly going through in their lives. 💔
- Kady McDermott (@kadymcdermottx) June 21, 2018
Meanwhile, Alex Bowen, who is engaged to Olivia Buckland from Sophie's year, reminisced about their friendship since meeting on the show.
We had lots of little chats and so many laughs 😢 you were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie gradon ❤️
- ALEX BOWEN (@ab_bowen07) June 21, 2018
You helped us through so much. Your smile was one in a million. The world failed. I send all my love and my thoughts to you today. To your family and your loved ones. I cannot work out what to say. RIP you beautiful beautiful woman. I’m so lucky to have met you. #stayshapey
- Olivia Buckland (@OliviaDBuck) June 21, 2018
Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me.
- Olivia Buckland (@OliviaDBuck) June 21, 2018
RIP @sophiegradon THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can’t believe what I’ve just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I’m in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn’t sunk in.
- Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) June 21, 2018
Sophie was confirmed to have been found dead at home by Northumbria Police, which said in a statement:
"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."
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter account.
You Might Also Like
