Mike Thelassitis.Photo: Ian West/PA Images/Getty Images
Mike Thalassitis, a former contestant on the British reality dating showLove Island, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 26.
According to theDaily Mail, the former reality star was found dead on Friday in his hometown of Essex. His cause of death has yet to be released.
Prior to competing onLove Islandin 2017, Thalassitis was a semi-professional soccer player in England, according toThe Guardian. He also appeared on the British reality showCelebs Go Dating.
Mike Thalassitis.Ian West/PA Images/Getty Images
FellowLove Islandseason 3 alum Jonny Mitchell wrote on Instagram that he had been “heartbroken,” describing his late friend as always being “full of so much positivity and charisma.”
“I genuinely can’t believe what I’m seeing here,” he wrote alongside a picture of the two. ”My boy from the villa and one of my best mates from the show coming out. An absolute hero and a legend and someone I looked up to since I met him, always full of so much positivity and charisma.. One of the best people I’ve ever known taken from us far too soon, I’m heartbroken and can’t put into words how much I’m gonna miss you bro! My heart goes out to his family.. Rest in peace Magic Mike ❤️.”
“Mike… you were a total gentleman… I won’t forget that … it’s so so sad …you will be missed. RIP.” Flackwrotealongside a photo that showed the pair hanging out at a party.
Referencing Thalassitis’ nickname “Muggy Mike” — whichThe Guardianreports he earned after partnering with fellowLove Islandcontestant Chris Hughes’ girlfriend — Hughes urged fans not to disrespect his friend’s memory.
“His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that. His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon,” hewroteon Twitter.
Stevenage FC, a soccer team Thalassitis played for during his career, shared their own tribute.
“Everybody at #StevenageFC isshocked & saddenedto hear the tragic news about former player Michael Thalassitis,” the team wrote on their official Twitter page. “Our sincerest condolences go to his family & friends.”
According to the BBC, Thalassitis was previously in a relationship withThe Only Way Is Essexstar and country singer Megan McKenna.
TheDaily Mailreported the pair were together for seven months before calling it quits last year.
source: people.com
