Love Island star Caroline Flack was found dead in her home today after taking her own life following a battle with depression, according to her pals.
The 40-year-old’s heartbroken family confirmed the tragic news today in a statement which asked for privacy.
A family statement read: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.
“We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”
Over recent weeks, the star had been liking social media posts about suicide, including some from the Samaritans.
Speaking to The Mirror, one friend claimed Caroline had been taking anti-depressants.
“She went to a climbing wall with one of her pals, and they were trying to keep her spirits up but she was going deeper into her depression,” said the pal.
“In the last few weeks, she was with a lot of her friends and rarely alone.”
Caroline Flack’s family confirmed her death today with a statement (Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shuttersto)
Friends said Caroline had been in a fragile state of mind since an incident with her boyfriend where she allegedly assaulted him. She feared for her career.
And she was said to be terrified of her impending court date on March 4.
One pal said: “She was on her own. She couldn’t take it any more. Her family are devastated.”
A lawyer for the Flack family confirmed that Caroline took her own life and was found in her east London flat on Saturday.
The star was due to stand trial in March 2020 for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, in December 2019, despite him saying he did not support the prosecution.
Following her death, Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, issued a statement paying tribute and also hit out at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
He said: “We are devastated at the loss of our client and friend Caroline Flack.
“An immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country.
Caroline’s pals claim she rarely alone the last few weeks (Image: Getty Images)
“In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
“The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline.
“Our thoughts are with Caroline’s family at this time.”
Caroline was charged assault by beating following an early-morning altercation but Lewis remained loyal by her side.
Caroline Flack attends the launch of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2019 on November 20, 2019 in London (Image: Getty Images)
The case led to her stepping down as host of Love Island and being replaced by Irish presenter Laura Whitmore for the current winter run
Despite the couple’s dedication to each other they were forced to spend Valentine’s Day apart as Caroline was banned from contacting Lewis.
Lewis Burton reportedly did not wish to ‘press charges’ against his girlfriend however the police make a charging decision in association with the CPS.
‘Pressing charges’ is a phrase that comes from the US judicial system.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
