Sophie Gradon death: Love Island star’s heartbroken parents break silence

Colin and Deborah Gradon said they are struggling to deal with the loss of their "precious daughter"
Heartbroken: The late Sophie Gradon
ITV
Emma Powell27 June 2018
The Weekender

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Sophie Gradon’s parents’ have broken their silence in the wake of their daughter’s death, saying they have been left “heartbroken”.

Gradon was found dead at her home last Wednesday by Northumbria Police. She was 32.

Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong broke the devastating news on Facebook where he shared a picture of himself and the late Love Island star, who he referred to as his “baby”.

Colin and Deborah Gradon have now broken their silence, telling fans they are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their “precious daughter”.

Devastating: Sophie Gradon on Love Island in 2016
Joel Anderson/ITV

In a statement to Press Association they said: “It has been one week since we lost our precious daughter and we as a family are still coming to terms with our sudden loss.

“Our hearts are broken. We wish to say our goodbyes to Sophie in private so we ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this arduous time.”

Tributes poured in from fans following the news of Sophie’s death, with her former Love Island stars saying they had been left “shocked” and “heartbroken”.

Gradon made Love Island history when she coupled with Katie Salmon for the show’s first ever same-sex pairing.

Katie Salmon, who made history with Sophie after they became the show’s first ever same sex couple, said her “smile will be remembered forever” while Tom Powell, who she was coupled with before Salmon, said she “seemed happy” before her death.

Paying tribute: Caroline Flack on Aftersun
ITV2

Host Caroline Flack called Sophie a “beautiful soul” during a heartbreaking tribute on spin-off show Aftersun.

Speaking on Sunday night’s show she said: “Tragically this week, we lost a beautiful soul in Sophie Gradon.

“She was a gorgeous person both inside and out and everyone’s thoughts here at Love Island are with Sophie’s friends and family at this terrible time.

“Sophie, we’ll never forget you.”

Love Island 2018: Series 4 - In pictures

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