Devastated friends of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis are trying to raise £25,000 to cover his funeral, with any leftovers given to mental health charities.
Mike, 26, was found dead in the woods near his Essex home last weekend , only days after his grandmother passed away, meaning his family have been hit with double tragedy, and funeral costs.
Friends of the family set up a GoFundMe page to help Mike's relatives, who they describe as "hardworking people experiencing a time of intense pain and suffering".
Donations include £250 from Ellie O'Donnell, an Instagram influencer who has described him as a close and "dear" friend.
"Mike was a beloved son, brother, friend and good man to many people," a statement on the page reads.
"As everybody is aware we all lost a brilliant person on March 16th. I'm sure that everyone here and all those that were fortunate enough to know Mike wishes that they had done or said something that could have changed this outcome and have helped him in so that this terrible tragedy did not befall Mike and everybody that cared for him."
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It continued, "Mikes family were doing everything possible to come to terms with the death of Andy’s mum (Mike's Nan) before their youngest son was taken within days of each other.
"Mike’s family are hard working people experiencing a time of intense pain and suffering. Accordingly we are asking for all of your help so that they do not have to face anything alone."
The page has been shared by several of Mike's showbiz friends, with singer Talia Storm posting on Instagram, "Please help to raise money for Mike's family to help pay for his funeral any amount helps they shouldn't have to face this alone."
Fellow Love Islander Jack Fowler also shared the appeal, which had raised more than £4,000 at the time of publication.
It comes after model Ellie, 22, admitted she will be haunted by Mike's suspected suicide for, "the rest of my life."
Posting a tribute on Instagram, she said, “You were literally texting me yesterday pictures of the samples for the colour of the tables in your new restaurant. That was your last text to me.
“You were the kindest soul, you were so funny.
“I’m glad I got to hear you laugh and see you smile before you left this world.”
In an update, Simon Legg, one of Mike's friends, said he had closed the page at the family's request .
He said: "I have spoken with Mike’s family and while they are grateful for all of the support his friends have given, they have asked to close the gofundme at this time.
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"Please be assured the money raised to date will go directly to the family who intend to open a new page controlled by themselves in due course. All proceeds will then be consolidated and donated to a mental health charity of their choice.
"While this particular page was created by his close friends, they are concerned that fraudulent accounts could be activated by strangers using their name. Therefore, please do not donate to any other pages until an official statement has been made by the immediate Thalassitis family within the next week or so. "
