TORMENTED
Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s boyfriend Aaron Armstrong told how he ‘tried to take his own life’ four years before shock death
THE heartbroken boyfriend of tragic Love Island star Sophie Gradon told how he tried to "take his own life four years ago" before he was found dead yesterday.
Aaron Armstrong made the shock revelation on social media while hitting back at trolls who accused him of "attention seeking" in the wake of Sophie's death last month.
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The 25-year-old, who discovered Sophie's body on June 22, hit back at trolls by appearing to reveal he had attempted suicide - but had been saved by his brother.
He wrote: "I found her. I took my own life 4 years ago and got took down by my brother. You know nothing you stupid f***ing ****.
Tragic Love Island's Sophie Gradon's boyfriend found dead just three weeks after her 'suicide'
"I make my choice like she did. I've been fighting this for 10 years. Go f*** yourself. This post I'm talking to her, not any of you. Scum bag people like you drive people to suicide. Hope u happy."
Aaron's body was discovered yesterday lunchtime - just three weeks after the former Love Island star's apparent "suicide".
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Cops confirmed they are not treating his death as suspicious and no third party was involved. At this stage, the full circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Today, Aaron's family revealed their heartache at his loss.
Speaking from his door-step, dad David, 54, told The Sun Online: "We are devastated - Aaron was an amazing lad."
David added that the family would be releasing a statement later in the week.
Just the day before his death, Aaron posted an emotional Instagram tribute to his girlfriend.
He wrote: “Just wish I could cuddle you all day. Miss you so much man. Sophie not a minute goes by without your gorgeous smile being a picture in my mind.
“Every day we spent together was so amazing I need them days back.
“I love you princess."
A family friend, who didn't want to be named, told The Sun Online: "We're absolutely gutted. Heartbroken."
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Sophie Gradon dead – Love Island star dies aged 32 as boyfriend posts emotional tribute
Friends have also described Aaron as a "top bloke" and a "loyal friend".
A pal, who didn't want to be named, said: "You couldn't know a better person.
"The news was a huge shock, but it also wasn't a shock at the same time because of his girlfriend.
"I think Sophie had a lot to do with it, he found her body so it would have been hard to deal with.
"He met his soul mate and he lost her, it is horrendous."
Another friend said: "He's a top bloke.
"If you lose someone you really love, half your life has gone.
"You see videos on Facebook of them messing on, he must have been suffering.
"He was only 25 - that is no age.
"Everyone knew Aaron and he was just a lovely lad."
Cops confirmed they were called to a property in Blyth, Northumbria at lunchtime yesterday and found a body.
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A spokesman said: "At around 12.20pm we received a report that a 25-year-old man had been found deceased at a property in Blyth.
“There is not believed to be any third party involvement and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
It is understood Aaron was living in Newcastle but staying with his parents in Blyth when he was found dead.
Since Sophie's death three weeks ago, he has flooded social media with tributes to the "love of his life".
In one haunting message just eight days ago, he said: "I will see you very soon my angel."
And in another, he wrote: "I love you with all my heart my beautiful angel. I'm absolutely heartbroken I can't stop crying and I can feel your spirit in my soul."
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Caroline Flack pays tribute to late Sophie Gradon on Love Island Aftersun
How Sophie Gradon was introduced to Love Island viewers back in 2016
Ex-Miss GB Sophie, 32, was found dead at her parents’ home near Newcastle on June 22.
Her funeral took place last Friday at St George's Church in Jesmond, Newcastle.
Speaking at a preliminary hearing for Sophie's inquest Trever Carroll, assistant coroner for South Northumberland, said: "Following initial inquiries it is appropriate to open an inquest into her death.
"I will adjourn at this stage for further inquiries to determine cause of death."
Last month we told how Sophie's pals believed Aaron was “the one” for her - and had tipped the pair to marry.
One friend told The Sun: “We all thought Sophie was the happiest she had ever been.
"She had suffered from depression and anxiety and there was talk of financial issues which obviously adds to the worry she was enduring.
“Her friends thought she was in a great place as she was madly in love with her boyfriend and life was good."
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Sophie had seemed “happier than ever” to pals — but was secretly plagued with mental health problems.
The former beauty queen, who starred in the 2016 series, appeared to have overcome a previous bout of depression.
But she hid her demons from all but her closest circle — and was also left devastated by the recent death of a close friend.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit ’s website.