Love Island’s Maura Higgins left devastated after the death of best friend in motorbike accident
LOVE Island's Maura Higgins is nursing a secret heartache after she was left devastated but the death of her best friend two years ago.
The Irish stunner's pal Andrew Rowan was killed in a motorbike crash when his bike collided with three cars in Co Athlone, Ireland in 2017.
Local lad Andrew, from Co Longford, was just 26-years-old when he tragically lost his life in the road accident.
The popular digger driver had left behind parents Tom and Margaret, siblings Thomas and Susan, and devastated Maura and her sisters Becki and Louise, who grew up with him.
A source told The Sun Online: "It was devastating for everyone who knew Andrew, he was well loved and respected.
"It was shocking and especially tough on Maura, her sisters and her fiance as they all grew up together."
Andrew's death culminated in a tough year for hard-working Maura whose career had soared thanks to modelling work in Dubai and America - but her relationship crumbled.
Travelling for work put a strain on her nine-year relationship with her childhood sweetheart and their romance eventually fizzled out that year.
On Instagram, Maura, 28, remembered her "best friend" Andrew on the anniversary of his death last year in an emotional tribute.
She shared a gallery of photos that showcased their bond and happier times together and affectionately called him 'Maddog'.
Maura wrote alongside her post: "Words will never ever explain the heartbreak 💔
"my best-friend, my brother, my rock 👫 my world will never ever be the same without you. I Love you maddog"
Maura split from her fiance in 2017 as her career as a model for drinks giant Monster and William Hill began to grow.
She applied for Love Island last year along with 80,000 other applicants.
On Wednesday, she immediately spiced up the series with her mischievous banter after her entrance was kept top secret.
She fell for boxer Tommy Fury the minute she clapped eyes on him and had viewers in stitches with her flirty comments.
But she's caused tension in the villa with Tommy's partner Molly-Mae, whose position has been left in jeopardy.
Viewers called bombshell Maura "savage" when invited Tommy to bed with her on her first night in front of fuming Molly-Mae.