Sophie Gradon's grieving mother has reacted with fury to followers who questioned her statement about the Love Island star's 'real' cause of death.
Deborah and her husband Colin Gradon have challenged the coroner's verdict on Sophie's death, who found she had consumed Sophie Gradon inquest: Love Island star took own life after drugs and booze cocktail before taking her own life by hanging.
Instead, Sophie Gradon's heartbroken parents deny coroner's 'cocaine and booze' death verdict Sophie had been suffering with the rare brain condition arteriovenous malformation, which causes irrational thoughts and - they claim - could have influenced her decision to kill herself.
Sophie Gradon's heartbroken parents deny coroner's 'cocaine and booze' death verdict
In a statement following the verdict, Deborah and Colin took issue with the toxicology report showing Sophie had cocaine in her system when she died on June 20, 2018, saying it could have been a false reading caused by her antidepressant, Sertraline.
But when one of Sophie's fans gently pointed out that drugs could be seen in one of the last videos ever taken of the reality star, Deborah lashed out.
"We're not ruling it out! But certain medication can give a higher reading or a false positive. Unless you’re familiar with the Coroners system or have been involved with them. I suggest to shut up!!!" she told the Twitter follower.
"So you'll know the process & what a Coroner is accountable for & just exactly what answers he is bound by law to deliver. Makes it even more astonishing that you would make such a stupid statement in the first place."
Sophie Gradon's final hours - missing dead pal and struggling with suicidal thoughts
To another follower who questioned why she nor Sophie's dad came to the inquest yesterday, Deborah fumed: "No one is hiding away. We are grieving. You're very opinionated and keen to share what you know nothing about."
It came after Sophie's parents took aim at "bad people" who they claimed were leading Sophie into "bad decisions".
In their statement, the bereaved mum and dad said: "Sophie in her own words said she felt her life was spiralling out of control. She admitted to making some really bad decisions in her personal life and made associations with people whom she knew to be bad for her.
"She claimed she was getting involved with 'The wrong men'. She swore to herself that 'nothing is going to stop me from taking care of myself & that includes men'."
Sophie Gradon inquest: Love Island star took own life after drugs and booze cocktail
Sophie, 32, had been dating Aaron Armstrong in the weeks before her shock death. He sadly died in a similar way just 20 days after her, having turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with her loss.
Aaron was the subject of cruel social media rumours implicating him in Sophie's death, but was completely exonerated in a police statement clarifying there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her passing.
At the inquest yesterday, the coroner once again confirmed there was no third-party involvement in Sophie's death, and spoke of Aaron's desperate 15-minute attempt to revive her "blue, cold" body with CPR after finding her in the living room of her parents' house.
If you or someone you know is struggling with, there is help available. You can call The Samaritans at any time of the day or night on freephone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your nearest branch.
