CW: This article makes reference to suicide.
ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, the body of former Love Island contestant, Mike Thalassitis, was found in a wooded area near his London home.
In a statement released by The Metropolitan Police on Saturday, authorities said that the death wasn’t being treated as suspicious.
Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9, at 9.28am on Saturday, March 16 to reports of a man found hanged. 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.
Mike’s tragic and untimely passing at just 26 years old sparked an outpouring of grief across various social media platforms, with reality TV stars and members of the public calling for an increase in the level of psychological and emotional support provided to those who enter into reality TV experiences.
I don't know why but the death of Mike Thalassitis has really affected me. I didn't know him personally but he was from my area n I enjoyed watching him on TV, RIP. I hope the bosses at @LoveIsland and the like, havelasting #mentalhealth support for contestants and viewers too
— Miss Khan (@Miss_Khan868) March 17, 2019
You get a psychological evaluation before and after you go on the show but hands down once you are done on the show you don’t get any support unless you’re number one
— Dom Lever (@_DomLever) March 16, 2019
After the sad and tragic death of @MikeThalassitis, I think more should be done to support anyone who takes part in any reality show. Nobody should suffer in silence like Mike did. My thoughts are with all his family and friends at this sad time. #RIPMIKE
— 💫💫Kelly JBGR (@MyChemAustin) March 18, 2019
This is really upsetting!
— Sam Leigh (@Sleigh1love) March 18, 2019
Another young person taken away too early due to mental distress - R.I.P Mike Thalassitis.
We need more done to support people in… https://t.co/y8Bzj20EFW
On Saturday, ITV expressed their condolences, stating: “Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by this terrible news.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mike’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
However, with pressure mounting on TV bosses in the wake of Mike’s passing, the channel has released another statement insisting that in spite of public opinion they do prioritise contestants’ health before, during and after their appearance on the hugely popular dating show.
“Care for our Islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show,” the statement began.
We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show. The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.
“We also discuss at length with all of our Islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change and they have access to support and advice to help with this,” the statement today read.
Mike, who appeared on the third season of Love Island in 2017, died less than nine months after fellow Love Island contestant, Sophie Gradon, was found dead at the age of 32.
