‘Love Island’ star Sophie Gradon has died at the age of 32, it has been confirmed.
News of Sophie’s death broke on Thursday morning, when a Facebook page appearing to belong to her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong posted a message that read: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.”
Graham Stone/REX/Shutterstock
Sophie’s cause of death remains currently unconfirmed.
In a statement issued to the Mirror, a Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
HuffPost UK has contacted Sophie’s manager and ITV for comment.
Rex/Shutterstock/ITV
Sophie appeared on series two of ‘Love Island’ and made history by becoming one half of the first and only same-sex couple to ever appear on the show.
However, she chose to leave the series after 39 days - just two days after coupling up with co-star Katie Salmon, who eventually ended the show in fourth place, alongside partner Adam Maxted.
During her time on the show, Sophie also dated Tom Powell, and the couple went on to have a short-lived relationship after leaving the villa.
Rex/Shutterstock/ITV
Katie was among the first to pay tribute to Sophie on Twitter: “Your smile will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones at this horrendous time. Too young, too sweet. Too kind. Am sending all my love, I truly am, to everyone who had the pleasure of being in her company.”
RIP Celebs: Stars We Lost In 2018
JANUARY(01 of45)
Dolores O’Riordan
Singer (b.1971)
The Cranberries singer, who shot to fame thanks to the huge hits 'Zombie' and 'Linger', died at the age of 46 in a London hotel, ahead of a recording session.
(credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Singer (b.1971)
The Cranberries singer, who shot to fame thanks to the huge hits 'Zombie' and 'Linger', died at the age of 46 in a London hotel, ahead of a recording session.
(credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
JANUARY(02 of45)
Mark E Smith
Frontman with The Fall (b. 1957)
The former dockworker formed The Fall in the mid-1970s and the band went on to be one of Britain’s best-loved cult bands, famous for an anarchic post-punk style and Smith’s habit of sacking bandmates. He was 60 when he passed away at home. (credit:Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Frontman with The Fall (b. 1957)
The former dockworker formed The Fall in the mid-1970s and the band went on to be one of Britain’s best-loved cult bands, famous for an anarchic post-punk style and Smith’s habit of sacking bandmates. He was 60 when he passed away at home. (credit:Visionhaus via Getty Images)
JANUARY(03 of45)
Eddie Clarke
Musician (b. 1950)
The former Motorhead guitarist, known to fans as ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, died at the age of 67 following a battle with pneumonia. He joined the rock band in 1976 but left in 1982 following the release of fifth album ‘Iron Fist’, after he was reportedly unhappy with how that album turned out. (credit:Paul Welsh via Getty Images)
Musician (b. 1950)
The former Motorhead guitarist, known to fans as ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, died at the age of 67 following a battle with pneumonia. He joined the rock band in 1976 but left in 1982 following the release of fifth album ‘Iron Fist’, after he was reportedly unhappy with how that album turned out. (credit:Paul Welsh via Getty Images)
JANUARY(04 of45)
John Paul Steuer
Actor (b. 1984)
The former ‘Star Trek’ child star, best known for being the first person to play Klingon Alexander Rozhenko in ‘The Next Generation’, passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 33. (credit:Marc Piasecki via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1984)
The former ‘Star Trek’ child star, best known for being the first person to play Klingon Alexander Rozhenko in ‘The Next Generation’, passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 33. (credit:Marc Piasecki via Getty Images)
JANUARY(05 of45)
Doreen Keogh
Actress (b. 1924)
Doreen, who played the first ever barmaid in ‘Coronation Street’, died "peacefully in her sleep" after a long illness, at the age of 91. The Irish actress played Rovers Return barmaid Concepta Riley in the first episodes of ‘Corrie’ in the 1960s. She stayed with the ITV soap for four years, starring in 321 episodes. (credit:Rex)
Actress (b. 1924)
Doreen, who played the first ever barmaid in ‘Coronation Street’, died "peacefully in her sleep" after a long illness, at the age of 91. The Irish actress played Rovers Return barmaid Concepta Riley in the first episodes of ‘Corrie’ in the 1960s. She stayed with the ITV soap for four years, starring in 321 episodes. (credit:Rex)
JANUARY(06 of45)
Jessica Falkholt
Actress (b. 1988)
The former ‘Home And Away’ star died at the age of 29, three weeks after being seriously injured in a car crash in Australia on Boxing Day 2017. Jessica's parents and sister were also killed in the accident. (credit:Marc Piasecki via Getty Images)
Actress (b. 1988)
The former ‘Home And Away’ star died at the age of 29, three weeks after being seriously injured in a car crash in Australia on Boxing Day 2017. Jessica's parents and sister were also killed in the accident. (credit:Marc Piasecki via Getty Images)
JANUARY(07 of45)
Mark Salling
Actor (b. 1982)
At the time of his death, the 'Glee' star was awaiting sentencing having pleaded guilty to the possession of child pornography in December 2017. His cause of death was later confirmed as suicide by the Los Angeles County Coroner.
(credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Actor (b. 1982)
At the time of his death, the 'Glee' star was awaiting sentencing having pleaded guilty to the possession of child pornography in December 2017. His cause of death was later confirmed as suicide by the Los Angeles County Coroner.
(credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
JANUARY(08 of45)
Rasual Butler and Leah LaBelle
Ex-NBA Player (b. 1979) and 'American Idol' star (b. 1977)
Leah, who found fame when she was a finalist on the 2004 series of ‘American Idol’ died with her former professional basketball player husband Rasual when their car crashed in LA. (credit:Gabe Ginsberg via Getty Images)
Ex-NBA Player (b. 1979) and 'American Idol' star (b. 1977)
Leah, who found fame when she was a finalist on the 2004 series of ‘American Idol’ died with her former professional basketball player husband Rasual when their car crashed in LA. (credit:Gabe Ginsberg via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(09 of45)
Dennis Edwards
Singer with The Temptations (b. 1943)
The family of the US star confirmed he had passed away in hospital one day before his 75th birthday. The cause of death was not revealed.
(credit:Paul Redmond via Getty Images)
Singer with The Temptations (b. 1943)
The family of the US star confirmed he had passed away in hospital one day before his 75th birthday. The cause of death was not revealed.
(credit:Paul Redmond via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(10 of45)
John Mahoney
Actor (b. 1940)
The British-born star starred in US sitcom 'Frasier’ as the father of the titular character for more than 10 years. He died in hospice care in Chicago on 4 February. (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1940)
The British-born star starred in US sitcom 'Frasier’ as the father of the titular character for more than 10 years. He died in hospice care in Chicago on 4 February. (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
FEBRUARY(11 of45)
Emma Chambers
Actress (b. 1964)
The 53-year-old star was best-known for her role as Alice Tinker in ‘The Vicar of Dibley between 1994 and 2007. She also starred in Notting Hill and the TV adaptation of Martin Chuzzlewit. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Actress (b. 1964)
The 53-year-old star was best-known for her role as Alice Tinker in ‘The Vicar of Dibley between 1994 and 2007. She also starred in Notting Hill and the TV adaptation of Martin Chuzzlewit. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
MARCH(12 of45)
David Ogden Stiers
Actor (b. 1942)
The American star, best known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester in the US war-based comedy M*A*S*H, lost his battle with bladder cancer.
(credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1942)
The American star, best known for playing Major Charles Emerson Winchester in the US war-based comedy M*A*S*H, lost his battle with bladder cancer.
(credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
MARCH(13 of45)
Morgana King
Musician and actress (b. 1930) (credit:ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images)
Musician and actress (b. 1930) (credit:ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images)
MARCH(14 of45)
Ken Dodd
Comedian and Entertainer (b. 1927)
The National Treasure, famous for his epic stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital. He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, just two days before he passed away. (credit:YUI MOK via Getty Images)
Comedian and Entertainer (b. 1927)
The National Treasure, famous for his epic stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital. He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, just two days before he passed away. (credit:YUI MOK via Getty Images)
MARCH(15 of45)
Jim Bowen
TV presenter and comedian (b. 1937)
Best known for presenting the cult darts-based game show ‘Bullseye’, the comedian died in March, aged 80 having previously suffered difficulties with his health after suffering a stroke in 2016. (credit:Rex)
TV presenter and comedian (b. 1937)
Best known for presenting the cult darts-based game show ‘Bullseye’, the comedian died in March, aged 80 having previously suffered difficulties with his health after suffering a stroke in 2016. (credit:Rex)
MARCH(16 of45)
Katie Boyle
Actress and Eurovision Song Contest presenter (b. 1926)
“The Italian-born actress, TV personality, agony aunt, game show panellist and dog lover, died peacefully at home,” her publicist said. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Actress and Eurovision Song Contest presenter (b. 1926)
“The Italian-born actress, TV personality, agony aunt, game show panellist and dog lover, died peacefully at home,” her publicist said. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
MARCH(17 of45)
Sir Stephen Hawking
Physicist, Cosmologist, Author (b. 1942)
The renowned British physicist, one of the world’s finest scientific minds, died at the age of 76,at his home in Cambridge. His work ranged from the origins of the universe itself, through the tantalising prospect of time travel to the mysteries of space’s all-consuming black holes. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Physicist, Cosmologist, Author (b. 1942)
The renowned British physicist, one of the world’s finest scientific minds, died at the age of 76,at his home in Cambridge. His work ranged from the origins of the universe itself, through the tantalising prospect of time travel to the mysteries of space’s all-consuming black holes. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
APRIL(18 of45)
Timmy Matley
Singer with The Ovetones (b. 1982)
Timmy, who usually took lead vocals in The Overtones, joined the band in 2010.
(credit:Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)
Singer with The Ovetones (b. 1982)
Timmy, who usually took lead vocals in The Overtones, joined the band in 2010.
(credit:Joseph Okpako via Getty Images)
APRIL(19 of45)
Alex Beckett
Actor (b. 1982)
The actor, best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC sitcom 'W1A' died at the age of 36. (credit:Dave M. Benett via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1982)
The actor, best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC sitcom 'W1A' died at the age of 36. (credit:Dave M. Benett via Getty Images)
APRIL(20 of45)
Dale Winton
TV Star (b. 1955)
The legendary presenter, best known for 'Supermarket Sweep' and 'In It To Win It', died at home. (credit:Ferdaus Shamim via Getty Images)
TV Star (b. 1955)
The legendary presenter, best known for 'Supermarket Sweep' and 'In It To Win It', died at home. (credit:Ferdaus Shamim via Getty Images)
APRIL(21 of45)
Avicii
DJ (b. 1989)
Avicii's death, at the age of 28, stunned the music world and stars including Nile Rodgers paid tribute. (credit:Christopher Polk via Getty Images)
DJ (b. 1989)
Avicii's death, at the age of 28, stunned the music world and stars including Nile Rodgers paid tribute. (credit:Christopher Polk via Getty Images)
APRIL(22 of45)
Matt Campbell
'Masterchef: The Professionals' Chef (b. 1989)
Matt died after collapsing at the 22.5 mile mark of the London Marathon. He was running in memory of his father. (credit:BBC)
'Masterchef: The Professionals' Chef (b. 1989)
Matt died after collapsing at the 22.5 mile mark of the London Marathon. He was running in memory of his father. (credit:BBC)
APRIL(23 of45)
Verne Troyer
Actor (b. 1969)
Best known for playing Mini Me in the ‘Austin Powers’ movies, Verne died at the age of 49. (credit:JB Lacroix via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1969)
Best known for playing Mini Me in the ‘Austin Powers’ movies, Verne died at the age of 49. (credit:JB Lacroix via Getty Images)
JUNE(24 of45)
Jackson Odell
Actor (b. 1997)
Jackson found fame as a teen and went on to star in shows including 'iCarly', 'Modern Family' and, most notably, 'The Goldbergs'. (credit:Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1997)
Jackson found fame as a teen and went on to star in shows including 'iCarly', 'Modern Family' and, most notably, 'The Goldbergs'. (credit:Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images)
JUNE(25 of45)
Joe Jackson
Musician (b. 1928)
The patriarch of the Jackson family who managed the Jackson 5 and his son Michael Jackson, died aged 89 of pancreatic cancer. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Musician (b. 1928)
The patriarch of the Jackson family who managed the Jackson 5 and his son Michael Jackson, died aged 89 of pancreatic cancer. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
JUNE(26 of45)
Neal E Boyd
Actor (b. 1975)
Neal was best known as the opera singer who won the third series of 'America's Got Talent'. He later released the album, 'My American Dream', and toured with fellow 'Got Talent' winner, Paul Potts. (credit:STAN HONDA via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1975)
Neal was best known as the opera singer who won the third series of 'America's Got Talent'. He later released the album, 'My American Dream', and toured with fellow 'Got Talent' winner, Paul Potts. (credit:STAN HONDA via Getty Images)
JUNE(27 of45)
Leslie Grantham
Actor (b. 1947)
Ex-'EastEnders' star Leslie died after a short period of illness. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
Actor (b. 1947)
Ex-'EastEnders' star Leslie died after a short period of illness. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
JUNE(28 of45)
XXXTentacion
Rapper (b. 1998)
The rapper was shot dead in Florida. (credit:Larry Marano/REX/Shutterstock)
Rapper (b. 1998)
The rapper was shot dead in Florida. (credit:Larry Marano/REX/Shutterstock)
JULY(29 of45)
Sophie Gradon
'Love Island' contestant (b. 1985)
The reality star was found dead at her parents' home. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
'Love Island' contestant (b. 1985)
The reality star was found dead at her parents' home. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
AUGUST(30 of45)
Barry (Chuckle) Elliott
Comedian (b. 1944)
Known as one half of the comedy duo the 'Chuckle Brothers', Barry died aged 73. He had bone cancer that had spread to his lungs prior to his death. Known for his slapstick comedy and catchphrase "to me, to you" with his brother Paul, Barry delighted a generation of British children. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Comedian (b. 1944)
Known as one half of the comedy duo the 'Chuckle Brothers', Barry died aged 73. He had bone cancer that had spread to his lungs prior to his death. Known for his slapstick comedy and catchphrase "to me, to you" with his brother Paul, Barry delighted a generation of British children. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
AUGUST(31 of45)
Aretha Franklin
Singer (b. 1942)
The Queen of Soul died aged 76 after a fight with advanced pancreatic cancer. An icon that defined soul and R&B music, she won 18 Grammys and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Singer (b. 1942)
The Queen of Soul died aged 76 after a fight with advanced pancreatic cancer. An icon that defined soul and R&B music, she won 18 Grammys and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
AUGUST(32 of45)
Stefan Karl Stefansson
Actor (b. 1975)
Stefan was known for playing the antagonist, Robbie Rotten on the BBC children's show 'Lazy Town'. He originally appeared on the show from 2004 to 2007, before returning in 2013 until the show finished the following year. He died of bile duct cancer, which he had been suffering from for two years. (credit:BBC)
Actor (b. 1975)
Stefan was known for playing the antagonist, Robbie Rotten on the BBC children's show 'Lazy Town'. He originally appeared on the show from 2004 to 2007, before returning in 2013 until the show finished the following year. He died of bile duct cancer, which he had been suffering from for two years. (credit:BBC)
SEPTEMBER(33 of45)
Rachael Bland
Radio Presenter (b. 1978)
Rachael Bland was a Welsh journalist, and served as a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. She died after a two year battle with breast cancer, during which she had documented her experiences through a podcast called 'You, Me And The Big C'. (credit:Rachael Bland)
Radio Presenter (b. 1978)
Rachael Bland was a Welsh journalist, and served as a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. She died after a two year battle with breast cancer, during which she had documented her experiences through a podcast called 'You, Me And The Big C'. (credit:Rachael Bland)
SEPTEMBER(34 of45)
Burt Reynolds
Actor (b. 1936)
Burt Reynolds was an Oscar-nominated actor, who starred in titles like 'Boogie Nights' and 'Deliverance'. He died after going into cardiac arrest. (credit:Mitch Gerber/STAR MAX/IPx)
Actor (b. 1936)
Burt Reynolds was an Oscar-nominated actor, who starred in titles like 'Boogie Nights' and 'Deliverance'. He died after going into cardiac arrest. (credit:Mitch Gerber/STAR MAX/IPx)
SEPTEMBER(35 of45)
Peter Benson
Actor (b. 1943)
Peter Benson was an actor best known for his role as Bernie Scripps on the ITV series, 'Heartbeat'. He died following a relatively short illness. (credit:ITV)
Actor (b. 1943)
Peter Benson was an actor best known for his role as Bernie Scripps on the ITV series, 'Heartbeat'. He died following a relatively short illness. (credit:ITV)
SEPTEMBER(36 of45)
Mac Miller
Rapper (b. 1992)
Malcolm James McCormick, also known by his stage name, Mac Miller, was a rapper, singer and producer. He died of a suspected drug overdose in his home, aged 26, after reportedly having struggled with substance abuse. (credit:Press Association)
Rapper (b. 1992)
Malcolm James McCormick, also known by his stage name, Mac Miller, was a rapper, singer and producer. He died of a suspected drug overdose in his home, aged 26, after reportedly having struggled with substance abuse. (credit:Press Association)
SEPTEMBER(37 of45)
Fenella Fielding
Actor (b. 1952)
Fenella Fielding was an actress who became known as "England's first lady of the double entendre". She appeared in two 'Carry On' films. Fenella suffered a stroke two weeks before her death. (credit:Getty Editorial)
Actor (b. 1952)
Fenella Fielding was an actress who became known as "England's first lady of the double entendre". She appeared in two 'Carry On' films. Fenella suffered a stroke two weeks before her death. (credit:Getty Editorial)
SEPTEMBER(38 of45)
Denis Norden
Actor (b. 1922)
Denis Norden was a comedy writer and television presenter, known best for presenting 'It'll Be Alright On The Night' on ITV. He died in hospital, two months after the death of his wife, Avril. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1922)
Denis Norden was a comedy writer and television presenter, known best for presenting 'It'll Be Alright On The Night' on ITV. He died in hospital, two months after the death of his wife, Avril. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
SEPTEMBER(39 of45)
Marty Balin
Musician (b. 1942)
Marty Balin was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and founder of psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane. He was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. He died aged 76, but his family and publicist did not say what the cause of his death was upon its announcement. (credit:Jeff Vespa via Getty Images)
Musician (b. 1942)
Marty Balin was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and founder of psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane. He was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. He died aged 76, but his family and publicist did not say what the cause of his death was upon its announcement. (credit:Jeff Vespa via Getty Images)
OCTOBER(40 of45)
Geoffrey Hayes
Presenter and actor (b. 1942)
Geoffrey was best known for presenting 'Rainbow' from 1974 to 1992. He died in hospital surrounded by his family. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Presenter and actor (b. 1942)
Geoffrey was best known for presenting 'Rainbow' from 1974 to 1992. He died in hospital surrounded by his family. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
OCTOBER(41 of45)
Celeste Yarnall
Actor (b. 1944)
Celeste played Yeoman Martha Landon on Star Trek in 1967. She died aged 74 after a battle with ovarian cancer. (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1944)
Celeste played Yeoman Martha Landon on Star Trek in 1967. She died aged 74 after a battle with ovarian cancer. (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
OCTOBER(42 of45)
Scott Wilson
Actor (b. 1942)
Scott Wilson had more than 50 film credits, including In The Heat Of The Night, The Great Gatsby, In Cold Blood and Pearl Harbour. He received a Golden Globe in 1980. He died at 76 following a battle with leukemia. (credit:diebestenserienyahoo)
Actor (b. 1942)
Scott Wilson had more than 50 film credits, including In The Heat Of The Night, The Great Gatsby, In Cold Blood and Pearl Harbour. He received a Golden Globe in 1980. He died at 76 following a battle with leukemia. (credit:diebestenserienyahoo)
OCTOBER(43 of45)
Diana Sowle
Actor (b. 1930)
Diana was best known for playing Mrs Bucket, the protagonist's mother, in Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. She ran a free tutoring programme for underprivileged kids in the 23 years before her death. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Actor (b. 1930)
Diana was best known for playing Mrs Bucket, the protagonist's mother, in Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. She ran a free tutoring programme for underprivileged kids in the 23 years before her death. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
DECEMBER(44 of45)
Pete Shelley
Musician (b. 1955)
The Buzzcocks frontman died from a heart attack at his home in Estonia at the age of 63. (credit:Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images)
Musician (b. 1955)
The Buzzcocks frontman died from a heart attack at his home in Estonia at the age of 63. (credit:Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images)
DECEMBER(45 of45)
Dame June Whitfield
Actor (b. 1925)
The 'Ab Fab' actress died peacefully at home, at the age of 93. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Actor (b. 1925)
The 'Ab Fab' actress died peacefully at home, at the age of 93. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)