Stars From Love Island You Didn't Know Died

The following article mentions suicide and addiction.

The "Love Island" franchise has grown immensely from its beginnings in the U.K. in 2005 as "Celebrity Love Island." Eventually, the series made a spin-off by including members of the public in 2015, and since then, it's taken over the U.S., Germany, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and South Africa. The hit television series centers a group of singles coming together to find love and foster romance, while also following a strict set of "Love island" rules. Relationships and friendships form, and challenges are faced throughout the series. Ultimately, one couple has the chance to walk away as the winners based on their strong connection and public voting. Winners are also awarded a hefty cash prize, not to mention brand deals — making some "Love Island" contestants super rich.

The series is beloved by millions of viewers and has sparked online debates, viral memes, and strong romances — many "Love Island" couples are still together. Unfortunately, though, the series has also had its tragedies. Since its pilot episode, the franchise has lost some iconic personalities through heartbreaking circumstances, leaving fans shocked and changing the show forever. Here are the "Love Island" stars who have died since appearing on the popular show.

On June 20, 2018, 32-year-old "Love Island" star Sophie Gradon died by suicide. She was found by her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong at her family home in Medburn, Ponteland. She'd been previously diagnosed with anxiety and depression. At the time of her death, both cocaine and alcohol were present in her system, according to coroner Eric Armstrong, who revealed that he was "certain she would not have acted as she did without taking alcohol and cocaine" (via the BBC). The coroner further explained that this dangerous combination can give way to "violent thoughts." "If Sophie's death is to serve any purpose at all, that message must go out far and wide," the coroner warned.

Gradon's boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, shared the devastating news of her death on Facebook, writing, "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always" (via The Sun). In a tragic turn, just weeks after Gradon's death, her 25-year-old boyfriend also died by suicide, again found with alcohol and cocaine in his system.

After Gradon's passing, "Love Island" paid tribute to the former contestant on X. "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," the statement read. 

After the tragic death of Sophie Gradon, many former "Love Island" stars took to social media to pay their respects to their late friend. Gradon made "Love Island" history as the first openly bisexual islander on the show. Her former partner Katie Salmon, with whom Sophie became the first same-sex couple to appear on "Love Island," paid tribute to Gradon on X. "Your smile will be remembered forever," she wrote (via Cosmopolitan UK). "My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones at this horrendous time. Too young, too sweet, too kind. I am sending all my love; I truly am, to everyone who had the pleasure of ever being in her company!"

Multiple other co-stars also posted their tributes online as well, including Kady Mcdermott, Rachel Fenton, and Cara de la Hoyde-Massey, who tweeted, "Such a awful day ... my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected."

"Love Island" Season 3 contestant Mike Thalassitis was reported to have died by suicide on March 16, 2019 at 26 years old. Thalassitis was found at a park near his home in North London. According to the BBC, the former reality star left a notebook with messages to his family at the scene.

Before becoming a reality star, Thalassitis was a professional soccer player. In 2017, he was featured on Season 3 of "Love Island" and in 2018, he appeared on Season 4 of the British series "Celebs Go Dating."

"Love Island" shared the news of his death on X, writing, "Everyone at ITV2 and 'Love Island' are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Mike. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends." Many former "Love Island" co-stars also took to social media about the heartbreaking loss, including Montana Brown. Brown honored her late friend on Instagram, saying Thalassitis was the "kindest, sweetest person and I am so devastated and crushed that I'll never get to see you again." 

After the deaths of Sophie Gradon in 2018 and Mike Thalassitis in 2019, "Love Island" paid tributes to each of the former contestants during multiple episodes of the show.

In 2018, "Love Island" dedicated an episode to 2016 contestant Sophie Gradon by displaying a photo of her at the beginning of the show and the words, "In loving memory of Sophie Gradon." At the end of the "Love Island" season premiere in 2019, a picture of Thalassitis, who was featured on the reality show in 2017, appeared on the screen. Text accompanying the photo read, "In loving memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993 – 2019."

Prior to Caroline Flack's own suicide in 2020, the "Love Island" host spoke with Cosmopolitan UK about the circumstances of Thalassitis death. "None of us know what's going through someone's mind and we can't sit there and speculate. It's time to think about the bigger picture, about what's going on with young men and young people and the pressures of modern life," she said.

The death of British TV host Caroline Flack came as a shock for "Love Island" viewers. In December 2019, after allegations of assault were made against Flack by her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, Flack resigned from her role as the host of "Love Island." In February 2020, while awaiting trial, Flack, 40, died by suicide. Coroner Mary Hassell said, "Although her general fluctuating (mental) state was a background and important in her death, I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty, and she knew she would face the media, press, publicity — it would all come down upon her" (via CNN).

Flack was one of Britain's most well-known celebrities, as she had an established career working as a host, presenter, and TV personality across multiple British reality series, including "Love Island" and "The X Factor."

Many have paid tribute to Caroline Flack since her death in 2020, including a prominent royal figure. Prince Harry and Caroline Flack dated for a time in the late 2000s, which the former wrote about in his bombshell tell-all memoir "Spare" in 2023, and honored the late host with a brief mention of her in his book. After her death, "Love Island" paid tribute to Flack with an emotional video on X. 

During the tribute, narrator Iain Stirling honored his late friend and discussed his and Flack's time together on the show. "We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our 'Love Island' family, has passed away," Stirling said. "Our thoughts are with family and friends at this dreadful time." Stirling continued, saying, "Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favorite show. You were a true friend to me. I'm going to miss you, Caz."

Flack's former boyfriend Lewis Burton took to Instagram, writing that his "heart is broken" in light of the tragic loss. Posting a photo of the two together, Burton shared, "I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers ... Nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday. I love you with all my heart."

British actor Paul Danan, best known for his role on the U.K. soap opera "Hollyoaks," died in January 2025 at age 46. Danan, who appeared on both the first and second seasons of "Celebrity Love Island: Aftersun" in 2005 and 2006, was open about his struggles with substance use. 

The Love Island star first experimented with drugs as a teen, and in adulthood, went through at least 17 rehab stays, as well as a near-fatal heroin overdose. He was actually set to appear in court over charges stemming from possession of cocaine and cannabis on January 16 when, the day before, he was found unresponsive in his Bristol home. Authorities were called by Danan's partner after she tried and failed to get in touch with him. As the BBC reported, the actor was found sitting on his couch with the television turned on.

Celebrity Love Island star Paul Danan was pronounced dead in his home, where he was found, in Brislington, Bristol. Following a months-long investigation, assistant coroner Debbie Rookes concluded in May 2025 that Danan's death had been accidental and a "misadventure." "Mr. Danan had a long history of drug misuse and struggles with his mental health," Rookes explained (via The Guardian). "His death was caused by a combination of drugs, both prescription and illicit." The drugs found in the actor's system during the autopsy included heroin, methadone, codeine, and cocaine, among others. 

Although none were present in fatal levels, having all these drugs in his system at once resulted in Danan experiencing "fatal respiratory depression," per the BBC. Speaking about the incident, Danan's mother, Beverley Danan, said, "Paul helped so many people from all walks of life but just couldn't help himself in the same way" (via The Guardian).

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If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).