The parents of Love Island star Sophie Gradon have rejected a coroner’s ruling that she took her own life after consuming cocaine and alcohol, after she was sadly found dead in June 2018.
An inquest was heard yesterday to determine the 32 year old’s cause of death, with a coroner ruling that Sophie took a mixture of cocaine and alcohol before she was found hanged.
The reality star’s parents have however rejected this verdict, claiming that she was suffering from an undiagnosed brain condition that caused ‘irrational thoughts’.
Deborah and Colin Gradon state that a post-mortem revealed that Sophie had been living with Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – a condition which causes an abnormal connection between arteries and veins and has been shown to affect a person’s thinking and reasoning abilities.
"We needed more time to research and talked to a leading psychiatrist and neuroscientist,” they told The Sun.
"They both unanimously agreed that Sophie’s cerebral and cognitive reasoning would have been influenced by the presence of the AVM in her brain.
"We believe Sophie started to become symptomatic in December 2017. We noted an acute change in her personality and behaviour.”
They added that Sophie would often complain 'that her brain wasn’t working right' after becoming convinced she had ADHD.
CHECK OUT A look back at all the stars we've lost this year
Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE
Annalise Braakensiek, 46
Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."
Martha Ross, 79
Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.
Karl Lagerfeld, 85
Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."
Peter Tork, 77
The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.
Albert Finney, 82
Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",
Mark Hollis, 64
Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."
Lisa Sheridan, 44
Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.
Janice Freeman, 33
Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."
Luke Perry, 52
Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.
Keith Flint, 49
Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Mike Thalassitis, 26
Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2017.
Sophie was suffering from depression at the time of her death and had been taking medication after being diagnosed in 2013.
She was found dead at her parents’ home in Northumberland by her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who tragically took his own life just weeks later. An inquest in March cited hanging as his cause of death.
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Love Island bosses have vowed to re-evaluate their aftercare process after the deaths of Sophie and Mike Thalassitis who took his own life last month after appearing on the show in 2017.
“When something so awful happens we naturally enter a period of soul searching and ask whether anything could have been done,” said creative director Richard Cowles in a letter addressed to The Sun.
“This review has led us to extend our support processes to offer therapy to all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us.
“And we will be delivering bespoke training to all future Islanders to include social media and financial management. The key focus will be for us to no longer be reliant on the Islanders asking us for support but for us to proactively check in with them on a regular basis.”
If you're struggling with your mental health, Samaritans can provide 24/7 confidential support on their free helpline. Dial 116 123.