The heartbroken family of Jake Hall have spoken out following the unique funeral for the former TOWIE star who tragically passed away last month. The reality TV personality turned fashion designer was just 35 at the time of his death.
He died after smashing through a glass door at his rented flat in Majorca, Spain, after a night out with mates. His funeral, held last week, saw the star honoured at a lively afterparty that followed a church service attended by his TOWIE co-stars and other celebrities including boxer Derek Chisora, the Thomas brothers and his ex-partner Chloe Lewis.
The Wake in Shoreditch
The wake was held in Shoreditch, spanning three floors with guests moving through a curated experience encompassing a fashion installation, a full art exhibition of Jake's original paintings, live performances and a club night. Hosted at the independent music venue, Unlocked Shoreditch owned by Jake's brother Sonny Hall, the night was designed to celebrate Jake's passion for the creative world.
The fashion floor paid homage to Jake's iconic 137 hoodie, embroidered with the words: "Something happens every time I wear this." The art gallery floor showcased the first major public display of Jake's original paintings. The basement concluded the night as a proper club sendoff, with headline DJ sets and live performances from his friends Maverick Sabre, Tom Grennan, The Kooks and further artists. The night attracted guests from across Jake's world - from fashion and music to art and entertainment.
Family Statement
After the event sparked reactions amongst some, on behalf of Jake's family, Sonny Hall said: "We wanted to give Jake a send-off that matched who he was - not a quiet room, not a conventional goodbye. He lived out loud. He built things. He made people feel something. Last night was our way of saying: we saw you. We're proud of you. And we're not done yet."
"The art, the foundation, everything we're building in his name - that's the mission continuing. Choose everything," Sonny Hall, on behalf of the Hall family, concluded.
The Traditional Service
Earlier in the day, there had been a traditional service to lay Jake to rest. Outside the church, a crowd assembled and a screen had been erected to broadcast the service. His best friend jokingly told the congregation: "From one narcissistic mummy's boy to another, I love you forever." Also present was James Argent and David Beckham's mum and sister, Sandra and Joanne Beckham at the St Mary the Virgin church in Wanstead. Jake's former TOWIE girlfriend Chloe Lewis joined the mourners.
Chloe Lewis's Tribute
The pair dated on and off since they were teenagers. When news first emerged of his death, Chloe decided to take a break from social media to fully process the devastating news. Last month, she broke her silence and penned a heartfelt tribute to the man she described as her "first love."
Sharing her tribute on social media, she wrote: "My first love, my childhood sweetheart. A love that taught me so much about life and myself, and even more so now your presence is no longer here. A complete pain in the a**e most of the time, but always with the purest heart and the greatest soul. You touched so many lives and meant well in everything you did."
She continued: "I knew who you were... and I know what you wanted from life... a happy home and a loving family. Being the best dad was the most important thing to you and we always use to speak about it. You did that, Jake, with pride and made it look so easy and effortless. Like I knew you would."
Chloe and Jake initially crossed paths when they were both 16 years old, and she proceeded to detail their first meeting in full. Following her stint on TOWIE, Chloe revealed that the programme "took over our relationship", leaving her devastated. She went on: "We had our ups and downs, but we always knew how to come back to each other... until it was all too late. Life got in the way, and we separated after spending 10 years together. We didn't love wrong, we just didn't know how to hold on to it. The most talented and creative person I knew, from such a young age - starting Prevu in your mum and dad's garage. Me and Mummy were always your No.1 fans."
She continued: "You came up with the most gorgeous styles that were completely original, and I remember the day you made me the first womenswear piece and insisted on taking photos of me wearing it. It was unique, just like you."
"You loved music the way it should be loved, and the words to so many songs mean so much more now. I'll never forget the moment you sang 'Ordinary People' to me for the first time, and it will forever be our song. Sitting at your laptop, smiling at me while singing, 'Girl, I'm in love with you...' with your cheeky smile and love in your eyes. The best kind of Jake."
She concluded her tribute by wishing Jake eternal rest and promised to carry him with her always in her memories.
