Caroline Flack’s friends have released a statement following the death of her brother Paul.
The former Love Island host’s brother, Paul, was found unresponsive at his home in Norwich on June 21, six years after Caroline took her own life.
A provisional post-mortem gave Paul’s cause of death as cardiac arrest due to hanging.
Taking to Instagram, Caroline’s close friends Natalie Pinkham, Dawn O’Porter, Anna Blue and Katie Joyce paid tribute to her brother, describing him as ‘funny, kind and loving’.
Posting on their Flackstock account, which is a festival in honour of Caroline that raises funds for mental health awareness, the group wrote: ‘We are beyond heartbroken by Paul Flack’s passing.
‘We loved Paul so deeply, and this news has shattered us all. Paul was funny, kind and loving. He gave the best hugs and had the most brilliant laugh. We will miss him so much.
‘Flackstock exists as a festival to give people hope. To remember those who have been lost, and to hold a hand out to anyone who is struggling.
‘This news is hard to hear and hard to share. Right now, our focus is supporting the Flack family however we can, so please bear with us while we grieve someone we loved so very, very much.
‘If you are struggling, you are not alone. The Samaritans are there for you 24/7 on 116 12Please take care of each other, and be kind. Dawn, Nat, Sarah, Anna and Katie.’
Responding in the comments section beneath, Olly Murs – who formed a close friendship with Caroline while working together on The X Factor – posted a tear and broken heart emoji.
Laura Whitmore, who took over as host of Love Island after Caroline stepped down, also posted a broken heart emoji.
Former Love Island star Zara Holland also added: ‘😢So sorry for your loss.😔💔’
Meanwhile, mental health charity Mind commented: ‘We are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. From everyone at Mind, we’re sending you our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Always here if you need us. If you’re reading this and need support, tap the link in our bio and get in touch with our Infoline 💙’
An inquest into Caroline’s brother’s death, which came just three days after his 55th birthday, was opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on Monday.
Coroner Yvonne Blake said further enquiries would be required before the circumstances surrounding his death can be fully established.
The brief hearing was adjourned until October 23 while evidence continues to be gathered.
Need support?
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.
PAPYRUS offers specialised suicide prevention support for young people. Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.