Sophie Gradon: 'Love Island' star's lifeless body was found by her boyfriend as parents were away on vacation, report claims
'Love Island' star Sophie Gradon, who was found dead on June 20, was reportedly found lifeless by her new boyfriend at her parents' home while they were on vacation, the Sun has revealed. The reality star was found unresponsive by her devastated and shocked boyfriend Aaron Armstrong in Medburn, Northumberland.
The Sun reported that, before her death, Gradon was staying at her parents' home and looking after the place while they were gone to enjoy some quality time. It was previously reported that Gradon was struggling with depression and anxiety, which left her feeling "f****ed up" after being on the show.
"She was house-sitting for her family who had gone away on holiday," the pal told the Sun. "She had seemed in good spirits and had offered to come over to Medburn to stay in the house while they were away. They had seen no cause for concern."
Gradon's parents were soon informed after her boyfriend found her lifeless body, and the couple is "understandably devastated", said the friend. According to her, Gradon had recently started to make positive changes in her life. Her parents revealed to the friend that "Sophie had wanted to settle down and was growing sick of the party lifestyle," so they were clearly shaken by her sudden demise.
The late 32-year-old had been battling with financial problems of late, one of her friends had revealed at the time of her death, adding that the star made sure that none of these details ever reached the public. The star had also been devastated by the death of her good friend Paul Burns earlier this month, whose funeral she had attended last week.
"I genuinely feel that when true & honest human souls get taken away from us, they are the ones who have found the meaning of life," she said about her friend's death on social media.
After Burns' funeral, Gradon had appeared to be in quite a reflective mood and has resorted to sharing quotes about living recklessly along with references to dying on her social media.
"I feel very deep tonight. Reflecting on life & what it means to live," she tweeted at 10.40pm that evening.
As reported earlier, Gradon passed away on Wednesday under non-suspicious circumstances. "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," a Northumbria Police spokesperson was quoted as saying at the time.
About three months ago, the actress revealed that "crippling anxiety" had left her feeling extremely scared and vulnerable to even leave the house. In the month of April, she tweeted, "Catching up with so many friends and going so many places feels so good! Thinking back to when I became a total recluse, afraid to go out anywhere because of crippling anxiety and how different my life is now!!! Facing up to your fears is sometimes the hardest but most rewarding thing!!!"
In the year 2016, just weeks after Gradon had left the villa, she was asked by a fan if she would ever want to return to the villa. "God, I don't know. It was the most stressed/anxious/f***ed up I've ever been in my life!" was her reply.
Another fan asked her, "Would you recommend applying for 'Love Island'?" to which she responded, "Not if you suffer from anxiety or depression. It's a very testing environment where a lot goes on that you don't see."
Gradon also helped a fan and gave the fan some advice and tips on how to cope with anxiety. "Exercise. Take time to be alone and focus on you and things you enjoy," she advised.
Meaww could not independently verify the claims made in the Sun's report.