Mike Thalassitis’ family have set up a Just Giving donations page to raise funds for a mental health charity following his funeral yesterday.
The online fundraiser has received pledges amounting to £1,500 of its £50,000 target so far.
Francesca Goldsmid, a relative of the late reality contestant, launched the effort in Mike’s memory for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) with a lengthy statement from the family which seemed to indicate the 26-year-old had not been experiencing money woes before he took his own life in March.
Speculation circulated in the days and weeks after his passing that Mike may have been dealing with a large tax bill.
Read more: Abbey Clancy admits being “really scared” over fourth pregnancy
Fellow Love Islander Montana Brown said during a tearful appearance on This Morning: “He didn’t really know what to do for work and he wanted to be his own boss and he didn’t know how to do that and I know he had a massive tax bill to be paid.”
She continued: “I think the stress really got to him, and he kind of thought this fame wasn’t what it was cracked up to be, where do I go now?
“I don’t know if it was a spur of the moment reason. I don’t know if he had these demons he had to deal with.”
However, the family’s words on the Just Giving page seem to dismiss any suggestion Mike was having issues with money – highlighting how he was about to open a new restaurant in Essex and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.
Read more: Duke and Duchess of Sussex share affectionate snap after “special surprise”
“Mike was loved by so many and had such a promising future ahead of him,” the extract reads.
“He had a close and supportive network of friends and family, a much loved public profile, a strong pipeline of promising new business ventures and financial stability enabling him more luxuries than most.”
The statement continues: “Yet despite all this, and most importantly, deep down beneath the surface he was suffering from poor mental health – a dark depression that he kept very well hidden from even his closest friends and family.
“So on the 16th March, overwhelmed and exhausted by his private battle with depression, he made the tragic decision to give up the fight by ending his own life.”
News reports have also claimed Mike was floored by the recent death of his grandmother.
Family and friends gathered for the funeral in Southgate, north London on Friday afternoon.
Love Island co-stars Montana, Zara McDermott, Ellie Brown, Samira Mighty and TV presenter Caroline Flack were among the mourners.
During the eulogy Montana urged those listening to “be kinder” to one another.
If you or someone you know are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Join the conversation on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.