The parents of tragic Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon will not be attending an inquest on the reality star’s death.
Originally set for March 16, the hearing into her shock suicide was pushed back when it emerged that a new ‘report’ had been brought to the attention of her grieving mum and dad.
According to The Mirror, the star’s parents had asked for more time to consider the new information.
Read more: Mike Thalassitis’ parents shut down funeral fund over fraud fears
A statement from Northumberland Coroner’s Court, quoted by the paper at the time, read: “Please note that it has been necessary to cancel the hearing date for the inquest. Sophie’s parents have requested further time to consider a report which was only recently received.”
The Mirror has since reported that Sophie’s parents have asked for the inquest to go ahead without them.
According to the publication, Northumberland South senior coroner Eric Armstrong said: “Please be advised that a new hearing date for the inquest dealing with Sophie’s death has been arranged.
“Mr and Mrs Gradon have requested that the inquest take place in their absence, and the inquest has now been fixed for Thursday 18th April at 10.30am at Howard House.”
Sophie starred in ITV2’s Love Island in 2016. Two years later, on June 20, she was found dead in her parents’ home, having taken her own life.
Sophie’s grief-stricken boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, died by suicide just weeks later on July 10. He was found in the family home in Blyth, Northumberland by his mum Donna.
ED! has contacted the South Northumberland Coroner’s office for comment.
News of Sophie’s inquest follows the death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, who killed himself in a park near his childhood home earlier this month.
Mike’s friends held an emotional vigil for him in the park where he was found as Love Island faced a wave of criticism for reportedly failing to care for its stars after the show’s over.
The show was slammed by former contestants, fans and even Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who said it has a duty of care for islanders after they are plunged into the limelight.
Love Island said it carried out a review of its aftercare months ago, hiring a physician to look at the programme’s “medical processes”.
Read more: Love Island star Alex Miller suffered suicidal thoughts after the show ended
Following the review, the show said it will offer support to all contestants and not just those who request it.
A statement from Love Island said: “Everyone at Love Island is so shocked and absolutely devastated with the tragic news of Mike Thalassitis.
“Since the terrible news there have been a lot of people questioning Love Island’s processes and aftercare. Many of the things that have been said about them bear no relation to the support we offer.”
It went on to say that the show’s “duty of care is a continuous and ongoing process for each Islander”.
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