Caroline Flack, 40, died after being found hanged at her London home, inquest hears
CAROLINE Flack died after being found hanged at her London home, an inquest heard today.
The Love Island star, 40, was tragically discovered by a friend at her flat in Stoke Newington on Saturday.
An inquest into her death at Poplar Coroner's Court heard police attended after being flagged down near the property and gave CPR at the scene in a desperate bid to save her.
Members of Caroline's family were not present in court for the five-minute hearing, which was adjourned until a full inquest hearing in August.
An inquest is an investigation held by a coroner in a public court to establish the cause of a sudden or unexplained death.
Two months before her death Caroline had been charged with assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, at her then home in North London.
Caroline strongly denied the charge and her management team has slammed the CPS for pursuing the case despite Lewis saying he didn't support the prosecution.
Today Caroline's mum Chris said the Love Island star had been "surrounded by love" but ultimately the CPS show trial had been "too much for her".
Speaking for the first time since her daughter's tragic death on Saturday, Chris said Caroline was struggling with the "hurt of injustice".
Describing an unpublished Instagram post released by her family today, her mum said: "It was describing how she was feeling and what she had gone through - no more than that. It was not blaming anyone or pointing any fingers."
She told the : "Carrie was surrounded by love and friends but this was just too much for her.
"Jody her twin sister was there her whole life for her but this time nothing could take away the hurt of such injustice. As Carrie would say: 'In a nasty world just be kind'."
In the post, Caroline wrote about the night she was arrested after allegedly assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton.
She said: "Within 24 hours my whole world and future was swept from under my feet and all the walls that I had taken so long to build around me, collapsed.
"I have always taken responsibility for what happened that night. Even on the night. But the truth is... It was an accident.
"I am NOT a domestic abuser."
Caroline added: "I can't spend every day hidden away being told not to say or speak to anyone.
"I'm not thinking about 'how I'm going to get my career back.' I'm thinking about how I'm going to get mine and my family's life back."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
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
Love Island paid tribute to the presenter when it returned to the air for the first time since her death on Monday.
Co-presenter and close pal Iain Stirling said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time.
"Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers.
"Like many of you, right now we are just trying to come to terms with what has happened.
"My only hope is that we can all try and be kinder, always show love, and listen to one another.
"Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show.
"You were a true friend to me. I’m going to miss you, Caz."
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123
