The boyfriend of Love Island star Sophie Gradon has been found dead.
25-year-old Aaron Armstrong died after posting an Instagram tribute to Sophie who died from suicide just weeks ago, at the age of 32.
Police found Aaron’s body at his residence in Blyth, Northumberland in the early hours of Tuesday morning, (July 10).
Sophie’s funeral service had taken place at St George’s Church in Jesmond, Newcastle on 20 June, attended by family and friends.
On Instagram, Aaron wrote a heartbreaking tribute, which read:
Just wish I could cuddle you all day.
miss you so much man Sophie not a minute goes by with out your gorgeous smile being a picture in my mind everyday we spent together was so amazing I need them days back. [sic]
I love you princess.
Aaron had previously expressed his grief on the social media site, writing:
To think I will never see your beautiful smile again haunts me you are the girl of my dreams we spoke of having kids and spending the rest of are lives together.
I’m so devastated that we will never get that chance to grow old together and raise a family
I love you with all my heart Sophie u will always be in my heart you are my angel and I know you will be by my side everyday.
Prior to the funeral, he spoke about taking Sophie to a mountain so she could ‘have as much zen as u need:’
After a massive melt down since yesterday I took Sophie for a dive and stuck her on a mountain as high as I could so you can have as much zen as u need baby girl and the view is amazing hope u love it I will come see u every day my angel I LOVE YOU smiler.
According to Chronicle Live, a Northumbria police spokesperson said:
At around 12.20pm today (July 10) we received a report that a 25-year-old man had been found deceased at a property in Blyth.
There is not believed to be any third party involvement and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.
Tributes have flooded in for Aaron from well-wishers on social media.
One person tweeted:
I’m in shock to hear about Sophie’s boyfriend Aaron’s passing today. Both gone far too soon. Rest In peace Aaron Armstrong.
Another person said:
So so sad to hear about the death of Aaron Armstrong… Its only a couple of weeks since his Sophie died. Such a waste of two lives.
Former Miss Great Britain Sophie appeared on the 2016 season of Love Island, making TV history by being the first openly bisexual contestant.
Back in 2016, she also launched her own clothing collection for The Fashion Bible.
Our thoughts are with the families of Aaron Armstrong and Sophie Gradon at this difficult time.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.