The showbiz world was left in complete shock last month, when the news broke that Love Island star Mike Thalassitis had taken his own life at the age of just 26.
Now, after Mike's funeral took place on Friday 5th April, his family have released a heartbreaking statement as they set up a Just Giving page in an attempt to raise money for a mental health charity.
A statement posted on the site by Mike's family reads, "On 16th March 2019, at the young age of 26, Mike Thalassitis sadly took his own life.
"Mike was loved by so many and had such a promising future ahead of him. He had a close and supportive network of friends and family, a much loved public profile, a strong pipeline of promising new business ventures and financial stability enabling him more luxuries than most. Most crucially, he looked impeccably healthy from the outside (some even called him a 'Greek God'), and when surrounded by friends and family he was full of banter and sarcasm and always had a cheeky grin plastered across his face.
"Yet despite all this, and most importantly, deep down beneath the surface he was suffering from poor mental health - a dark depression that he kept very well hidden from even his closest friends and family. So on the 16th March, overwhelmed and exhausted by his private battle with depression, he made the tragic decision to give up the fight by ending his own life."
It continues, "Unfortunately, Mike's situation is not unique. In the UK, suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45- resulting in 12 men taking their own lives every single day! These statistics are tragic, incredibly scary and heartbreaking- but most importantly they are unacceptable and need to change! Mike's decision has turned our world upside down, it is impossible for us to understand or accept a life without Mike and there are no words to even begin to describe the grief, stress, sadness, shock and disbelief that we are all drowning in right now. That's why we have decided to create a legacy for Mike by doing everything we can to change this heartbreaking epidemic so no family has to ever suffer like we have. But most importantly, we want to make sure that all men know where to get support and no man ever feels that suicide is his only option.
"As a result, we have chosen to work closely with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably- the leading charity combating male suicide www.thecalmzone.net) to build awareness of depression in young men, break the stigma and develop practical resources to support those suffering and already in crisis. As such, we would be so incredibly grateful for any donations towards our cause. All donations received will go towards CALM and our joint ambition to bring an end to male suicide amongst young men in the UK.
"Thanks in advance for your kindness and generosity. Mike's Family."
The news of Mike's tragic death was announced on Saturday 16th March, after the semi-professional footballer was found dead in a woodland near his home in Essex.
A Met Police spokesperson said, "Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.
"Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s deceased.
"At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious. Police are in the process of informing the man's next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner."
At the time pf publication, the Just Giving page set up by Mike's family has so far raised £3,624.72 of the £50,000 target.
If you're struggling with your mental health, Samaritans can provide 24/7 confidential support on their free helpline. Dial 116 123.