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Reality TV star 'grieving and struggling with debt' before his death at 26
Mike Thalassitis, the UK Love Island star who tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 26, was said to be in mourning and spiralling into debt before his death.
News of his death, near his home in Essex, was confirmed by his manager over the weekend, with tributes flowing in from loved ones and friends online ever since.
Police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious.
Mike was said to be grieving the loss of his beloved 94-year-old nan and the death of his best friend, Danny Cutts.
It’s understood that Mike had moved in with his grandmother because she was in need of a full-time carer.
A source told The Mirror that Mike, who was about to open a restaurant in Essex, was also struggling to keep up with his party lifestyle and was slowing getting himself into debt.
I am in utter shock. @MikeThalassitis you were one of the most genuine guy! I just can’t believe this! You’ll be missed so much you have no idea 😢
— Amber Davies (@Amber_Davies7) March 16, 2019
Devastated to hear of the passing of Mike Thalassitis. My heart goes out to friends and family ❤️
— Dr Alex (@DrAlexGeorge) March 16, 2019
His name is Mike Thalassitis. All the articles how dare you not use his real name. This is horrendous. I’m in shock. Mike you are going to be sorely sorely missed. My heart is with your family. I’m in complete shock ❤️
— Olivia Bowen Buckland (@OliviaDBuck) March 16, 2019
“He was always the perfect gentleman and would pick up the bill everywhere we went,” the source said.
“But his party lifestyle came at a price and he wasn’t earning a lot of cash after Love Island, especially as he became his nan’s carer.”
The Sun columnist Dan Wooton said he spoke with Mike just days before he passed away.
“He was grieving the loss of his nan,” Dan told The Sun.
“She was 94 and he had moved in to live with her because she needed a full-time carer.
“He assured me he was fine and was excited about the launch of his shop.”
I’m shocked at the news!! me and @MikeThalassitis may not have seen eye to eye but he was a top guy 💔🙏🏻
— Dom Lever (@_DomLever) March 16, 2019
You get a psychological evaluation before and after you go on the show but hands down once you are done on the show you don’t get any support unless you’re number one
— Dom Lever (@_DomLever) March 16, 2019
A former footballer, Mike was a late arrival on the 2017 season of Love Island, which was also broadcast in Australia, and his former co-stars and ITV, the company that produces the show, have led tributes in his honour.
“Every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends,” co-star Chris Hughes, tweeted, “A good guy, taken far, far too soon.”
Singer Caroline Flack, who hosts the show, wrote, “Mike… you were a total gentleman… I won’t forget that… it’s so so sad… you will be missed. RIP.”
“Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by this terrible news,” a spokesperson for ITV said, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mike’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Mental illness is a serious disease. I’m cooped up in my bed, just trying to fathom why Mike did this? Why he didn’t say something. Why he thought this was his only way out. I really am so confused. I feel so sad, I’m so sorry darling I didn’t do more. Miss you so much 💙
— MONTANA ROSE BROWN (@MontanaRoseB) March 17, 2019
Mike had a career as a professional soccer player and was signed to club Margate FC when he appeared on Love Island.
He quickly raised eyebrows on the show and earned the nickname ‘Muggy Mike’, which his co-stars have now urged people to stop using.
Following his success on reality TV, Mike went on to star in Celebs Go Dating last year.
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