LOVE ISLAND STAR remembered
Mike Thalassitis’ inquest: What was the Love Island star’s cause of death?
REALITY star and former semi-pro footballer Mike Thalassitis tragically passed away in early 2019.
Now that Love Island has returned to our screens, we simply can't forget about Mike's involvement in the show. Here's all you need to know about the much-loved reality TV star...
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When did Mike Thalassitis die?
It has been confirmed that Love Island star Mike Thalassitis took his own life.
His body was found in a park in Edmonton, North London, on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
A Met Police spokesperson said in a statement they had been called to a park near Latymer Way about 9.30am on March 16, 2019, to "reports of a man found hanged".
Despite paramedics rushing to the scene, the young man was pronounced dead.
Mike's funeral was held on April 5, 2019.
How did Mike Thalassitis die?
An inquest heard how Mike killed himself after a cocaine and booze binge and left suicide notes next to his body.
Mike, 26, left a series of final messages in a black book where his body was found in Edmonton, North London, on March 15.
A female jogger found Mike's body hanging in a park near his home.
The suicide notes left to his family show he intended to take his own life, North London Coroner's Court ruled today.
Senior coroner Andrew Walker 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."
Toxicology results showed there was cocaine, alcohol and paracetamol in his system at the time of his death.
Speaking outside the court, Love Island 2017 star Montana Brown said it was "important Mike's memory lives on".
And in a statement read by Mike's manager, Dave Read, his family said: "Today's inquest concludes the sad news of the loss of our beautiful son and brother."
Mike is believed to have been grieving the death of his 94-year-old gran and faced mounting debts before his death.
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Did Love Island pay tribute to Mike?
Love Island paid tribute to Mike Thalassitis during the opening episode.
ITV had previously decided not bring up the tragic death but have made a u-turn following backlash from devastated fans.
A Love Island insider told the: “Producers wanted to pay their respects to Mike and show his friends, family and fans that he was a part of the Love Island family and is missed deeply by everyone.
“It is a really difficult subject but they wanted to address it rather than sweep it under the carpet or pretend it hasn’t happened.”
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What have Mike Thalassitis' Love Island co-stars said?
Mike's Love Island co-stars started paying their respects on Twitter almost immediately after the devastating news broke.
Chris Hughes was one of the first to comment, writing: "His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon."
Zara Holland then wrote: "This is so so sad, thoughts are with Mikes friends and family."
Love Island 2018 winner Jack Fincham wrote: "My thoughts are with Mike’s family a lovely bloke gone far too soon rest in peace mate."
Sam Bird added: "Rest in peace Mike, you’re an absolute legend. Heart goes out to all friends and family."
Thousands of tweets then began pouring in from heartbroken fans and friends:
On the day of his funeral, pal Montana Brown posted a picture on Instagram saying: "Miss the FaceTimes, never felt so empty and anxious.
"Hope you’re above listening to my speech today... I know you’re pointing your finger at me right now and saying “you cow” for uploading this #youwillneverbeforgotten#loveyou."
What happened to Mike Thalassitis' gofundme page?
Mike's parents decided to close the Go Fund Me page set up to raise money for his funeral over fears fraudsters will get hold of the money.
Nearly £5,000 of the £25,000 target had been raised in just one day by fans of the late reality star following his suicide.
However, a message appeared on the page informing visitors that the fundraising process has ended.
It read: "Thank you all for your generous donations thus far. 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.
"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."
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Who was Mike Thalassitis and where was he from?
Mike Thalassitis, 26, was a reality TV star and semi-pro footballer.
Born in Edmonton, the Cypriot played for a range of teams including Stevenage, Ebbsfleet United, Boreham Wood, St Albans City, Margate, Hemel Hempstead Town, Chelmsford and Welling United.
Describing himself as "tall, dark and handsome", Mike vowed not to be a "villain" on the ITV2 show Love Island when he entered in week two.
He signed up to appear in the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating alongside Gemma Collins, London Hughes and Sam Thompson.
But, despite being signed up to the E4 show, The Sun Online revealed that Mike was secretly dating former Towie star Megan McKenna.
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What happened to Mike Thalassitis on Love Island 2017?
Mike was thrown into the villa and he stunned both the boys and the girls with his incredible good looks.
Tyne-Lexy got to enjoy the first date with him, but he wasn't committing to anything before he'd checked out the other girls.
He got to choose three of the ladies for a date and went through the motions with Montana Brown and Jessica Shears before settling on Olivia Attwood who'd really caught his eye.
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She felt the same and went cool on Chris, who she'd dumped Sam for just a couple of days earlier.
Needless to say, Mike chose Olivia in the second recoupling.
Unfortunately for the star footballer, he was chosen by the girls to leave along with Jessica Shears because they felt they had closer ties to the other lads who had been in the house for longer.
He went back on the show, recoupling with Tyla, but the duo was booted off after receiving the fewest public votes.
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Tyla Carr and Mike Thalassitis dumped from Love Island after public vote
- IF you are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.
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