Sophie Gradon’s family break silence on star’s tragic death

Love Island Sophie Gradon

by Daisy Jordan |
Published on

Sophie Gradon's younger sister has paid tribute to her sibling in a heartbreaking Instagram post after it was announced that the reality TV star had tragically passed away this week.

Charlotte Martin posted a photo of the sisters sitting on their father's knee, along with the emotional caption, "I love you so much. You will never know how much I idolised you and the ground you walked on.

"Growing up I was always so immensely excited to see you and that never stopped. I'd copy your outfits growing up just to be an ounce as cool as you and talk about you nonstop.

"You were everything I wanted to be and more, the most caring and hilarious person I knew. The beacon of any room you entered and I will remember your smile and laugh forever.

"My soapy soap suds."

It comes after the star's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong also paid his respects on Facebook, writing, "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always."

The former Love Island star, who starred in the 2017 series, was found dead at her parents' home on June 20.

In a statement, Northumbria Police said: "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."

Love Island Tom Sophie
Sophie starred in last year's Love Island ©ITV2

Sophie's former co-star Malin Anderson shed light on her struggles, suggesting that Sophie had found dealing with social media trolls and the pressure she found herself under after the show drew to a close difficult.

Malin also claimed there should be more aftercare offered from the ITV2 show, telling BBC Newsbeat, ""There just needs to be more done about it and a lot more aftercare provided by certain reality TV shows.

"She did talk to me a lot about personal situations quite close to when the show had finished.

"It was a shock for both of us when we came out of the villa, and I completely understood where she was coming from because I felt the same."

GALLERY: The Love Island stars before they were famous

Gallery

Love Island: Before they were famous

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Olivia Attwood

Did you know Olivia Attwood used to compete in beauty pagents? Of course you did. Liv is more glam than Amy Childs having a gold-plated mani, tbh.

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CREDIT: Instagram

Marcel Somerville

In completely brand new information - Marcel was in the 90s band Blazin Squad. WE KNOW RIGHT. He's so modest about that sort of thing.

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CREDIT: Instagram

Amber Davies

Of course, Amber looks fantastic at every life milestone.

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CREDIT: Twitter

Chris Hughes

The winner for the best throwback snap goes to... (and tbh, his Gareth Gates esque hair makes us adore him even more.)

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CREDIT: Instagram

Montana Brown

We all had a Montana Brown phase. Once. Now it's a miracle if we brush our hair on a morning.

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CREDIT: Instagram

Harley Judge

Harley looks unrecognisable in this Insta snap, doesn't he. CUTIE.

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CREDIT: Instagram

Kem Cetinay

Kem with short hair has been giving the internet ALL KINDS OF FEELS.

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CREDIT: Instagram

Sam Gowland

Sam looking every inch of a lad in his perfectly preened blazer/shirt combo. Nothing ever changes, eh?

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CREDIT: Twitter

Dom Leaver

Dom Leaver with long hair is something we are in to. A lot.

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CREDIT: Twitter

Chloe Crowhurst

CHLOE... ERR, IS THAT YOU?! With a short brown pixie crop and a normal sized lips, we honestly had to do a double take.

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