Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis’s body found in North London park as police confirm star died by suicide

Police have confirmed Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis died by suicide after his body was found hanged in a North London park.

In a statement to Metro.co.uk, a Mets spokesperson said: ‘Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 09:28hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

‘Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

‘At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.

‘Police are in the process of informing the man’s next of kin.

‘A file will be prepared for the coroner.’

Since news emerged of the 26-year-old’s passing, tributes have been pouring in from his co-stars and friends in the industry.

Earlier today Montana Brown admitted she was left floored by Mike’s death, as she urged everyone to take mental health more seriously after admitting she knew he was in a dark place but thought he’d come out the other side.

‘Firstly, I’m so angry at you for doing this because you are so loved by so many people and I just wish you picked up the phone so we could’ve sorted this out. This didn’t need to happen,’ she said, alongside a series of photos of the two of them.

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I’ve thought long and hard about what I want to say, I’ve woken up and unfortunately this wasn’t just a nightmare so this is to you Mr Thala. Firstly, I’m so angry at you for doing this because you are so loved by so many people and I just wish you picked up the phone so we could’ve sorted this out. This didn’t need to happen😭. Secondly, it annoys me that you were so misunderstood. “Muggy Mike” was your stage name and let’s face it, the ladies did fall at your feet BUT everyone had this impression of you and you were literally the opposite you were one of a kind. Mike, you were so thoughtful, caring and loyal to me and all your friends, you know some of my darkest secrets and I know yours. I could always rely on you to tell me when I’m being a nut job to Elliott and tell me to get off his case 😂 and I always told you to stop partying too much and getting too pissed😂🙈 I just wish people had a tiny glimpse of what the real you was like. You sent me a Christmas card in the post this year, you checked up on me everyday at the beginning of this year when I was struggling myself, you really were the kindest, sweetest person and I am so devastated and crushed that I’ll never get to see you again. Now I know you were in a dark place a few months back and I thought you were past it and that you were on the up. I got you to buy The Magic, you wrote down your gratitudes, you had the pictures of your family in your car to remind you to be grateful for them. I just don’t know how I didn’t notice… I am absolutely heart broken that I couldn’t help you. Your phone call a few days ago to tell me that I’m smashing the swimwear, you’re proud of me and that you’re grateful for my friendship is the only thing that’s keeping me going right now. At least you knew how much you meant to me. I will help open your cafe with Scott because you worked so hard on it so don’t you worry! I can’t imagine how much pain you must have been in to do this, and the fact that you went through this on your own breaks my heart. I’m so so sorry I couldn’t do more to help you. I have so much love for you Mike and I will never forget you. Sleep tight darling and I miss you so much already 💙

A post shared by M O N T A N A B R O W N (@montanarosebrown1) on Mar 17, 2019 at 2:25am PDT

The 23-year-old then echoed the sentiments of Love Island co-star Chris Hughes, who urged everyone to not call Mike ‘Muggy’ – the nickname that was coined during his time on the ITV2 show.

As pleas for humans to be nicer to one another came in, Cleaning Up actress Sheridan Smith said last night we must learn from Mike’s tragic death.

Following the news, she wrote: ‘This should be a massive wake-up call, I feel sick, reach out, sometimes to the most confident friend. We can only learn and try to change.’

The 37-year-old also offered to try and help young people starting off in the entertainment industry in direct replies, adding on Twitter: ‘Anything I can do. I think we owe it to these kids who don’t know what they are getting into.’

Fellow Love Island stars Jess Shears and Dom Lever have since called out the lack of support contestants receive after leaving the show, saying more needs to be done.

‘Shows offer you “support” but realistically it’s only while you are in their care. Minute you get home & are no longer making them money it’s out of sight out of mind,’ Jess wrote. ‘There should be ongoing support & also financial advice.

‘Life after these shows isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.’

It’s believed Mike’s death comes just days after his nan passed away aged 94, who he had moved in with to become her full-time carer.

Mike, a former semi-professional footballer, was set to open his own restaurant, with reports indicating a reveal was set to take place next week.

The reality star came to fame back in 2017, after appearing on season three of Love Island, alongside Chris, Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies.

He earned the nickname ‘muggy’ after getting close to Olivia Attwood on the show, despite her seeing Chris at the time.

Mike left the villa single, and went on to appear on Celebs Go Dating in a bid to find love.

MORE: Love Island release statement after Mike Thalassitis found dead aged 26

MORE: Love Island’s Jess Shears pays tribute to Mike Thalassitis following death aged 26