Sophie Gradon, who appeared on Love Island in 2016, has been found dead at her home in Ponteland, Northumberland. Northumbria Police said officers attended a property in Medburn at about 8.27pm on June 20, where a 32-year-old woman was pronounced deceased. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Just days before her death, the former Miss Great Britain shared a rare family photograph on Instagram to mark Father’s Day. The throwback image showed her as a child sitting with her father in a kayak. In the caption, she described him as her “rock” and “absolute world”, adding that he deserved an OBE for putting up with her.
Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong announced the sad news on Facebook, posting a selfie of the couple and writing: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.”
Tributes poured in from fellow Love Island contestants. Cara de la Hoyde, who won the 2016 series, wrote on Twitter: “Such a awful day my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected.” Kady McDermott, another co-star, said she was “absolutely heartbroken” and described Gradon as a “kind gentle soul taken too young”.
Tom Powell, who also appeared on the show, spoke of his shock, telling Metro.co.uk that he had spoken to Gradon two weeks ago. “We were laughing and joking on Facetime, she told me she was dating someone new. She seemed happy,” he said.
