Sophie Gradon, a former contestant on ITV2's Love Island, has died at age 32. The reality star, who also held the title of Miss Great Britain in 2009, was discovered at a property in Ponteland, Northumberland, on Wednesday night. Though the cause of death is not yet known, a statement from Northumbria police states, "There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner."
Sophie was a contestant on the second series of Love Island in 2016. Many of her fellow islanders have posted messages on social media to share their sadness, as has the show's presenter Caroline Flack.
You helped us through so much. Your smile was one in a million. The world failed. I send all my love and my thoughts to you today. To your family and your loved ones. I cannot work out what to say. RIP you beautiful beautiful woman. I'm so lucky to have met you. #stayshapey [1]
— Olivia Buckland (@OliviaDBuck) June 21, 2018 [2]
RIP @sophiegradon [3] THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can't believe what I've just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I'm in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn't sunk in.
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) June 21, 2018 [4]
We had lots of little chats and so many laughs 😢 you were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie gradon ❤️
— ALEX BOWEN (@ab_bowen07) June 21, 2018 [5]
So very sad . Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon [6] ❤️
— caroline flack (@carolineflack1) June 21, 2018 [7]
Sophie was the first ever contestant to form a same-sex relationship on Love Island, when she coupled up with glamour model Katie Salmon. Katie shared a heartfelt message on her twitter account when she heard the news.
Fly high beautiful so high! 💎❤️ pic.twitter.com/JPrqQgkPqC [8]
— Katie Salmon (@katiesalmon24) June 21, 2018 [9]
At the time of her death, Sophie was in a relationship with Aaron Armstrong, who posted a picture of himself and Sophie on his Facebook page [10], with the caption, "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your [sic] my world forever ever and always."