LOVE Island Star Mike Thalassitis has been found dead aged just 26.
The 26-year-old was found in woodland near his Essex home yesterday, no official announcement on how Mr Thalassitis died has been made public at this time, despite rumours on social media.
The Sun revealed Mike was left grief-stricken in recent days over the death of his beloved grandmother.
“He was grieving the loss of his nan.” said Dan Wooten, The Sun’s Showbiz Edtior.
“She was 94 and he had moved in to live with her because she needed a full-time carer. He assured me he was fine and was excited about the launch of his shop.”
“TRULY SENSELESS”
“There was so much in store for his future that this is truly senseless.
“Mike wasn’t the lad you saw on Love Island.” added Dan.
He was tender and sensitive and vulnerable and desperate for true love. Rest in peace, mate. I will miss you.”
Mike, shot to fame in 2017 on the smash-hit ITV2 reality show.
Fans have been left ‘distraught’ and ‘heartbroken’.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Just goes to show people can only take so much no matter how big their following.
Check up on your friends or anyone you think might be struggling.
R.I.P mike thalassitis, another life taken too early ❤️”
Born in Edmonton, the Cypriot was a semi-pro footballer and played for clubs including St Albans and Chelmsford and was signed to Welling United.
He earned the infamous nickname “Muggy Mike” from Chris Hughes after he stole Olivia from Hughes in the ITV2 show.
Hughes hit Twitter to slam newspapers such as The Sun and the Daily Mail for using “Muggy Mike” in headlines to report the death of the 26-year-old.
Chris Hughes said: “His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that. 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.”
Chelmsford FC said in a statement: “The Club are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former #Clarets striker Mike Thalassitis. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this time. #ClaretTogether
Reality stars paid tribute to Mike taking to social media.
Former TOWIE star Michael J Norcross wrote “Unbelievable shocking news to hear about Mike Thalassitis passing, so young. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his family and friends. RIP Mike.”
This is a developing story.
More follows.