Sophie Gradon, a contestant on Love Island in 2016, has died aged 32.
Sophie appeared on series 2 of the ITV2 show in 2016.
Her current boyfriend Aaron Armstrong announced the tragic news of her death on Facebook today.
He wrote: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.”
Sophie was sadly found dead in a home by police. The cause of her death has not been revealed but police are not treating it as suspicious.
Northumbria Police said in a statement: “At about 8.27pm yesterday (20 June) 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.”
Reacting to the news, Love Island host Caroline Flack tweeted: “So very sad . Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon ❤️”
And the official Love Island twitter posted: “The whole ITV2 and Love Island team are profoundly saddened to hear the news about Sophie, and our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to her family and friends.”
Tonight’s episode of Love Island was dedicated in Sophie’s memory.
Sophie spent 39 days in the villa, first coupling up with Tom Powell before partnering with Katie Salmon in the show’s first same-sex pairing. Katie tweeted: “Your smile will be remembered forever.”
Contestants who shared the villa with Sophie in 2016 have also paid tribute.
Alex Bowen wrote online: “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”
Series 4 of Love Island is currently airing on ITV2.
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