British TV presenter Caroline Flack, known for hosting “Love Island,” has died at age 40.
She died by suicide, a lawyer for the family said Saturday, according to the British Press Association.
“Everybody at Love Island and ITV are shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news,” the reality TV show said in a tweet. “Caroline was a much-loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.”
The family’s lawyer said Flack was found in her home in East London, according to the Press Association. Her family asked for privacy as they grieve her sudden loss.
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Flack began hosting the show in 2015 and stepped down in December following allegations she assaulted her boyfriend, tennis player Lewis Burton, according to Variety. She was replaced by Laura Whitmore.
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In a Christmas Eve Instagram post, Flack said she was advised to stay off social media but wanted to wish her supporters a merry Christmas.
“This kind of scrutiny and speculation is a lot … for one person to take on their own,” she wrote. “I’m a human being at the end of the day and I’m not going to be silenced when I have a story to tell and a life to keep going with … I’m taking some time out to get feeling better and learn some lessons from situations I’ve got myself into. I have nothing but love to give and best wishes for everyone.”
“Love Island” cast member Molly Mae Hague said on Instagram on Saturday that she was heartbroken over Flack’s death.
“Caroline you were such a special woman. Your huge smile will stay with me forever… Rest in peace,” she wrote.
Another cast member, Chris Hughes, tweeted: “Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world. … God bless Caroline and her family. Rest tight.”
Caroline Flack❤️ you supported me always, you were so kind to me & my family, I will never forget that. I spoke to you, and gave my support during the recent media intrusion. The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak. 😢😢😢😢
— Zara Holland (@zaraholland11) February 15, 2020
Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Caroline Flack, yet another tragic reminder you really never know what people are going through…#ripcarolineflack
— Patricia Bright (@PattyOLovesU) February 15, 2020
So so devastating. Can’t believe I’m writing RIP Caroline Flack, she was an amazing woman and always someone I looked up to in our line of work, She gave me advice on how to handle trolls & papers writing bullshit multiple times and I can’t even imagine how she would have felt..
— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) February 15, 2020
“Love Island” is a dating reality show that premiered in the U.K. in 2015 and is available in the U.S. on Hulu. A U.S. version of the show debuted in 2019.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
