Sophie Gradon death: Love Island stars ‘in shock’ as they lead tributes to former Miss Great Britain
Love Island stars have led tributes to former contestant Sophie Gradon who has died, aged 32.
Gradon appeared on the reality series in 2016 when she made history as one half of the show’s first same-sex couple after coupling up with Katie Salmon.
Her boyfriend announced the news of her death on Facebook, where he paid tribute to his “baby”.
Alongside a picture of the pair, he posted: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.”
Olivia Buckland, who starred alongside Gradon on the ITV2 series, and Salmon both paid tribute on Twitter.
In an emotional message Salmon said she has been left “heartbroken” while Buckland posted: “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.”
Fly high beautiful so high! 💎❤️ pic.twitter.com/JPrqQgkPqC
— Katie Salmon (@katiesalmon24) 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
Tom Powell, who she coupled with before Salmon, retweeted a message from Holly Hagan which read: “If you’re struggling right now PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU! I promise please speak to someone.”
Cara De La Hoyde, who won the 2016 series with Nathan Massey, tweeted: “Such an awful day. My heart is broken & goes out to the very one affected.”
Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies said she has been left in “shock” posting: “I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP.”
Fellow reality TV stars from TOWIE and Geordie Shore also paid tribute with Hagan thanking Gradon for helping her take on “Twitter trolls” while Alex Bowen told her to “shine bright in that sky”.
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
I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP ❤️
— Amber Davies (@Amber_Davies7) June 21, 2018
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
Feel so saddened and in shock, you’ll be missed you beautiful girl @sophiegradon x❤️
— Courtney Green (@courtneyMgreen) June 21, 2018
Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophie’s family at this incredibly sad time 😔xx
— Miss Great Britain ® (@Official_MissGB) June 21, 2018
So shocked and awful news @sophiegradon what a beautiful young girl... 😔💔 my heart goes out to all her family and loved ones. X
— Charlotte Dawson (@CharlotteDawsx) June 21, 2018
Wow. I litrelly have no words. What a beautiful person you was @sophiegradon RIP beautiful 😪🌹
— Lateysha Grace (@LateyshaGrace) June 21, 2018
I’m in shock.... My thoughts are with you and your family @sophiegradon 💕 the heavens have gained an angel RIP beautiful girl.
— MONTANA ROSE BROWN (@MontanaRoseB) June 21, 2018
Northumbria Police confirmed her death in a statement which read: "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."
Gradon won over a legion of fans after she coupled up with Powell on Love Island, before moving on to Salmon.
She voluntarily decided to leave the villa on day 39.