How Did Mike Thalassitis Die? New Details About The Tragic Death Of The 'Love Island' Reality Star At 26
His passing was sudden and unexpected.
instagram When we find a television program we really enjoy, it’s like the characters become part of our family. And even with reality shows, the people we see on the screen quickly peak our interest to learn more about them.
But just as there are upbeat and positive sides to reality television, there are also plenty of occasions when we’ve seen tragedy play out off-screen.
And just recently, we lost another star: 26-year-old Mike Thalassitis, who appeared on Britain’s Love Island. On Friday, March 15th, the former reality dating show contestant and football player was found dead in Edmonton, London. But how did Mike Thalassitis die?
According to reports, the star was found hanged in a park where he spent a majority of his childhood playing with friends.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said, “Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 09:28hrs on Saturday, 16 March, to reports of a man found hanged. Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased. At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious. The man’s next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
On Saturday, friends and former classmates gathered to remember Thalassitis, visiting the park and paying tribute.
One of his friends recalled, “We used to come to this park as kids, man. We played football here, we got mugged here. There are so many memories of Mike here; we used to run out to the flats there.” His friends also want him to be remembered as “not just a footballer” but that he had “the brain matter to think of things and then carry it out,” that he was hilarious and talented.
What caused Thalassitis to take his own life? According to his friends, they suggested he was lonely because he had to “play a character” all the time.
While appearing on Love Island, he earned the nickname “Muggy Mike” and gained notoriety as somewhat of a villain. But those who knew him say he was nothing like his reality television persona. Even former Love Island contestant, Chris Hughes, told fans to not disrespect Thalassitis and his memory. During the show, Thalassitis was partnered with Hughes’ girlfriend, sparking controversy.
Hughes tweeted, “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.”
Before appearing on Love Island, he also had a semi-professional career as a soccer player, and was featured on Celebs Go Dating.
His former cast members took to social media to mourn his passing, with Jonny Mitchell and Caroline Flack making posts:
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.