Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton has broken his silence following the tragic death of his girlfriend on Saturday.
The 40-year-old former Love Island presenter was found dead yesterday afternoon (15 February) at her East London home.
A statement from the family read: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."
This morning, Flack's boyfriend, a 27-year-old model, and former professional tennis player took to Instagram, posting a photo of the pair on vacation, and wrote:
"My heart is broken we had something so special. I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking."
He added: "I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud every day. I love you with all my heart."
The TV star passed away 18 days before she was due to face trial after being charged with assault this past December following an argument with her boyfriend. She had pleaded not guilty of the charge.
Burton had continued to publicly support his girlfriend, and uploaded posts reaching out to her when it emerged that she had been charged with assaulting him.
Following her arrest, Burton wrote the following in defence of his girlfriend on his Instagram stories: "I’m tired of the lies and abuse aimed at my girlfriend. This is not a witch hunt this is someone’s life."
Just a day before Flack died, Burton told Flack "I love you" in Valentine’s Day message.
He shared a photo of him and his girlfriend to his Instagram story with the caption "Happy Valentine’s love you".
When Flack stepped down from Love Island, she mentioned her boyfriend in her statement:
"And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life. Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest. ‘But also from total strangers who send messages to me offering to help and understanding… ‘Please know that I see them… And my boyfriend Lewis… I love you x."
Late last month, she broke her social media silence to declare her life is "no longer up for gossip" and said she would be speaking out.
Following the heartbreaking news, Love Island and ITV shared a joint statement, saying: "Everybody at Love Island and ITV are shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news. Caroline was a much-loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."
