Sophie Gradon’s parents refuse to attend Love Island star’s inquest after ‘new evidence’ shock
LOVE Island star Sophie Gradon's parents are refusing to attend their daughter's inquest into her death.
The hearing into the star's tragic death was postponed earlier this month after new evidence came to light.
The 32-year-old, who starred in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, died on June 20 last year.
She was found dead at her parents' home in Northumberland by boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who then took his own life 20 days later.
The inquest into Sophie's death was due to take place on March 16 but was pushed back just days before.
A new report had only just been given to her parents and they requested more time to consider it, .
They have now asked for the inquest to go ahead on April 18, in their absence.
NEW INQUEST DATE
Senior Coroner for Northumberland South, Eric Armstrong, said in a statement: "Please be advised that a new hearing date for the Inquest dealing with Sophie's death has been arranged.
"Mr and Mrs Gradon have requested that the Inquest take place in their absence, and the inquest has now been fixed for Thursday 18th April at 10.30am at Howard House."
On March 19, Mr Armstrong ruled Sophie's boyfriend Aaron took his own life after drinking alcohol and taking cocaine on July 10.
His mother Donna discovered him in his bedroom at their family home in Blyth, Northumberland, the inquest in North Shields, North Tyneside was told.
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
Aaron and his brother Ryan had found Sophie dead at her home after concerns she had not been posting on social media, the inquest heard.
His mother said 30 minutes later Ryan called her in tears to give her the news and she could hear Aaron screaming in the background.
In her statement read by the coroner, Mrs Armstrong said: "Aaron seemed absolutely hysterical."
The coroner said it was clear her son was "extremely distressed".
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This comes after Love Island star Mike Thalassitis was found hanged less than a fortnight ago.
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, to "reports of a man found hanged".
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans (free) on 116123 or 020 7734 2800.
