Love Island star Sophie Gradon shared a heartbreaking life affirming posts about late friend days before her passing.
The model from Newcastle, who appeared on the second series of the show, is believed to have passed away on Wednesday night.
No cause of death or official statement regarding her suspected death has been released, but Miss Great Britain and Sophies boyfriend appeared to confirm the sad news.
Days before her death the Miss Great Britain 2009 winner shared a heart-breaking life-affirming post on the same day as the funeral for her friend Paul Burns.
The Botanist boss Paul – who was best friends with Geordie Shores Vicky Pattison and also known as Mr Newcastle – tragically passed away aged just 37 earlier this month after a night out with friends.
Sharing the post on 15 June, Sophie captioned the quote image saying: I feel very deep tonight. Reflecting on life & what it means to live.
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The image contained the words: I want to live and love recklessly. Fly higher, drive faster, feel too deeply and act on things in spite of fear. I want to be out of control, laugh to no end, meet more strange people, make memories when Im least expecting it, settle less, and see things that are beautiful and unusual.
The quote from author J Raymond also reads: Taste new foods, and fall in love with as many things and people as possible. I want to learn, and I want to question things more. Because, my god, our time to live is limited, and I swear, good enough never is.
On Instagram Sophie shared an image of Paul on the same day with a heartbreaking message thanking her late friend for being there for her.
She wrote: Today was all about you sweetheart. What an amazing send off for our Mr Newcastle @mrpaulburns1 Thank you for being there when you recognised I needed someone, you are a true saint. I only wish I had got to know you better. All my love and thoughts with your nearest and dearest.
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Speaking of Pauls funeral she added: Ive never felt so emotional yet so uplifted in my life.
Having participated in the Miss Great Britain competition in her youth, winning in 2009, the team behind the pageant released the following statement: Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophies family at this incredibly sad time.
Aaron Armstrong, Sophies boyfriend, appeared to confirm the news on his Facebook page and wrote: I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.
Ashley Ienco, who also dated the star, also penned his tribute, and wrote: I just genuinely cant believe it, Ive never felt so strongly for someone else in my life apart from family we was intense and close and madly in love but if people can stop asking me .i only wanna speak to people who care about me and who cared about her. (sic)
The bisexual reality star appeared on the second series of the ITV2 show, where she became part of the first same-sex coupling up.
No further information has been released and Metro.co.uk has contacted Sophies representation for comment and confirmation.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
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There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.
Tributes have already begun pouring in for the star, including her fellow Love Islanders who shared the villa with her.
Presenter Caroline Flack wrote: So very sad. Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon
During Sophies time on Love Island, the star partnered with Welsh-man Tom Powell but made history by being the first openly bisexual star on the show.
This then went on to introduce the first same-sex couple after she paired up with Katie Salmon.
After Zara Holland was stripped of her Miss Great Britain title for having sex on the show and eventually left, Sophie made an epic public speech in her defence.
At a pageant held in Zaras honour, she declared: Life shouldnt be about judging one another. For example, judging a young woman for enjoying herself.
A young woman who hasnt harmed anyone but a woman who has faced a torrent of judgmental and close minded opinions since leaving Love Island.
As an ex Miss Newscastle and Miss GB, I can say that its time people moved forward from their old-fashioned thinking and accepted the simple fact that women LIKE TO HAVE SEX.
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She eventually left the show of her own accord in order to pursue a relationship with her on/off beau since the start of the show, Tom.
Before entering the villa, she dated rugby player Danny Cipriani.
MORE: Who was Sophie Gradon and when did she appear on Love Island?
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