Carolineflack/Instagram/PACaroline Flack has died at the age of 40.
The TV presenter was widely known for hosting the popular TV show Love Island.
The news comes weeks before the presenter, 40, was due to stand trial accused of assaulting her boyfriend, 27-year-old Lewis Burton, on March 4.
PA ImagesNews the former Love Island host had died surfaced on Saturday afternoon, February 15, with The Sun reporting she was found dead in her East London flat.
A family statement read:
We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.
The news comes months after the TV star stepped down from her position as presenter of Love Island amid the assault charge, and just one day after Burton reached out to her on Instagram, professing his love for her.
Although Caroline was banned from contacting Burton and the two were spending Valentine’s Day apart, the 27-year-old posted a picture of them both on Instagram and wrote: ‘Happy Valentine’s… Love You.’
mrlewisburtonModel Lewis, 27 vehemently denied the prosecution, with Caroline determined to prove her innocence after denying assault.
Her mother, Christine, publicly supported her, hugging and kissing her daughter outside court when she appeared before Highbury and Islington JPs on December 23.
On Thursday, February 13, Caroline announced she would be breaking her silence on recent reports about her personal life as she awaited her trial for common assault.
She wrote, as per MailOnline:
I’m going to speak today… mine and my family’s life is no longer up for entertainment or gossip.
carolineflack/InstagramHer last social media post also came on Thursday, posting a collage of pictures – captioned simply with a love heart emoji – on Instagram.
Former tennis player Lewis was reportedly told the news of Caroline’s death while on a skiing holiday with friends and is said to be travelling back to the UK.
Tributes have already started pouring in for the presenter, with former Love Island star Zara Holland describing her as ‘so kind to [her] and [her] family’.
She continued:
I will never forget that. I spoke to you, and gave my support during the recent media intrusion. The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak.
Caroline Flack❤️ you supported me always, you were so kind to me & my family, I will never forget that. I spoke to you, and gave my support during the recent media intrusion. The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak. 😢😢😢😢
— Zara Holland (@zaraholland11) February 15, 2020
Others also paid tribute to Caroline:
Such incredibly sad news. I can’t believe it. Sending all my love to Caroline’s family and loved ones xxx
— MOLLIE KING (@MollieKing) February 15, 2020
This world is so cruel. People have more horrible things to say than good. Heartbreaking. RIP Caroline Flack❤️
— Lauren McQueen (@Lauren_McQueen) February 15, 2020
This is absolutely heartbreaking. I am so sorry to be reading this. Feeling for all of Caroline’s family and friends…
Utterly devastating.— Adele Roberts (@AdeleRoberts) February 15, 2020
“You don’t truly know what goes on in anyone’s life bar your own”
Be nice as a lot of people are fighting battles you know nothing about.
💔 Sad News! 💔 R.I.P. Caroline Flack #ripcarolineflack
— Adam Smithy (@AdamJSmithy) February 15, 2020
Caroline is survived by her parents, Christine and Ian, her brother Paul, and sisters Elizabeth and Jody.
Our thoughts are with Caroline’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Caroline.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Niamh Shackleton is a pint sized person and journalist at UNILAD. After studying Multimedia Journalism at the University of Salford, she did a year at Caters News Agency as a features writer in Birmingham before deciding that Manchester is (arguably) one of the best places in the world, and therefore moved back up north. She’s also UNILAD’s unofficial crazy animal lady.