The Love Island franchise has mourned the deaths of some of the show’s most beloved islanders over the years.
Love Island, which premiered in the U.K. in 2002, follows a different group of singles every season who pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The franchise has since expanded worldwide, with spinoffs such as Love Island USA.
The contestants — who are referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and to stand a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize.
From our partners:
Despite the success that has come with appearing on the show in recent years, being in the public eye has been difficult for others to weather. Caroline Flack hosted Love Island UK from 2015 to 2019. She died by suicide in 2020 at age 40.
Reality TV Tragedies: The Saddest and Most Shocking Deaths
Iain Stirling, who hosted the hit reality series with Flack, paid tribute via Instagram, writing, “To my friend Caroline, thinking of you today. Miss you mate x.”
The Love Island community has continued to be struck by tragedy since. In January 2025, former reality star Paul Danan died at age 46.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old,” representatives for Danan wrote via Instagram, confirming the news. “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.”
Keep scrolling for the most heartbreaking Love Island tragedies over the years:
Paul Danan
After appearing on two seasons of Celebrity Love Island in 2005, Paul died at age 46 from the combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone. Benzodiazepine use was also a contributing factor, according to the coroner’s January 2025 report.
Caroline Flack
The Love Island host was found dead in her East London home in February 2020, and it was later confirmed she had died by suicide. In the weeks leading up to her death, Caroline had allegedly been involved in a physical altercation with her boyfriend Lewis Burton and authorities were moving forward with an assault charge against her before her death.
Caroline’s family shared an unpublished Instagram message from the former host the day she was found dead. In the message, which was published by the New York Times, Flack “took responsibility for what happened” the night she was arrested and insisted she “was NOT a domestic abuser.”
“I’ve already said all I can say on the tragedy and don’t want words to be misconstrued and need to look after my own mental health. This was the last correspondence I ever had with her. I really did hope she was somewhere lovely,” the post noted. “I never knew the extent of her struggles or what was to come. The last message from her to me were love hearts. I’d like to think wherever she is now, she’s at peace and somewhere lovely like I hoped.”
‘The Morning Show’ Star Joe Marinelli Dead at 68
Mike Thalassitis
The professional soccer player competed on Love Island in 2017. Two years later, he died at age 26 by suicide.
Malin Andersson’s Daughter
The reality star, who appeared on season 2 of Love Island UK, announced in January 2019 that her 4-week-old daughter, Consy, died. Malin delivered her and then boyfriend Tom Kemp‘s child seven weeks before her due date.
Sophie Gradon
Sophie was a contestant on the second series of Love Island. She died in 2018 at the age of 32 by suicide. Less than a month after her passing, Sophie’s boyfriend Aaron Armstrong also died by suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Us Weekly
For enquiries, product placements, sponsorships, and collaborations, connect with us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
Our humans need coffee too! Your support is highly appreciated, thank you!
