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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Rebecca Koncienzcy

Love Island's Mike Thalassitis inquest heard how star had cocaine and alcohol in his system

Love Island star Mike Thalassitis died by suicide, a coroner has concluded.

The 26-year-old was found hanged in a park in Enfield, north London on March 16 this year.

Senior coroner Andrew Walker said Thalassitis, whose occupation was given as celebrity, had left notes to his family.

He said: "There were a number of notes left behind and messages in which Mr Thalassitis clearly set out his intention that his life should come to an end."

The inquest heard that toxicology results showed there was cocaine, ethanol and paracetamol in his system at the time of his death.

Reading a statement on their behalf Dave Read, the his manager and agent, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind messages and support during this very difficult time.

"Today's inquest concluded the sad news at the loss of our beautiful son and brother.

"We would respectfully request privacy at this time and digest what has happened to our family.

"Mike was a wonderful son and brother and will be dearly missed."

The new season of Love Island began earlier this week with the show paying tribute to the former contestant at the end of the credits.

They posted a picture of the star and captioned it "In loving memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993-2019".

Love Island Mike Thalassitis tribute (ITV)

Mike's tragic death came after 2016 star, Sophie Gradon took her own life after drinking alcohol and taking cocaine in 2018, an inquest ruled.

Sophie, 32, was found dead at her parents' home in Ponteland near Newcastle on June 20.

In the wake of both Mike and Sophie's deaths, the ITV announced plans to harden up its aftercare procedures for Love Island, including offering counselling to every Islander rather than just the ones who ask for it.

The stars will also be given training in handling social media criticism and financial planning, as it was revealed Mike was struggling with mounting debts shortly before his death.

Mr Thalassitis' family paid tribute to their "wonderful son and brother" outside the court following the hearing.

 

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