Mike Thalassitis’ parents have broken their silence on their son’s tragic death ahead of the second anniversary of his passing.
Shirley, 63, and Andy, 65, spoke with The Mirror on Saturday about the late Love Island star, who tragically took his own life at the age of 26 on 15 March 2019.
Speaking candidly about their grief, Shirley said Mike is ‘on [their] mind every single day’, as Andy admitted they were not aware of their son’s battle with depression as he chose to tell them about it.
‘He is on our mind every single day’: Mike Thalassitis’ parents broke their silence on the Love Island star’s tragic death on Saturday, ahead of the two year anniversary since he passed away
Shirley told the publication: ‘We have to live with what happened and he is on our mind every single day.’
Reflecting on Mike’s mental health battle, Andy added: ‘We just didn’t see it coming. I felt utter disbelief.
‘He came to the house the Thursday before and said he was fine. He said, “I’ll see you Sunday”, and that was it.’
Shirley added that she visits Mike’s grave several times a week because it comforts her, and says she takes the time to have a ‘quiet moment’ when she is there.
![Emotional: Shirley (right) said Mike is 'on [their] mind every single day', as Andy (second right) said they were not aware of their son's battle with depression as he chose to tell them about it](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/13/22/40431498-9359313-image-a-48_1615676090887.jpg)
Emotional: Shirley (right) said Mike is ‘on [their] mind every single day’, as Andy (second right) said they were not aware of their son’s battle with depression as he chose to tell them about it
Mike was found hanged in a park in March 2019 – after friends revealed he had been ‘in a dark place’ in the months leading up to his death.
He was found dead in Edmonton, north London, the Metropolitan Police confirmed at the time. He was thought to have been struggling to come to terms with the death of his grandmother and was said to have been dealing with debt.
Montana appeared on ITV’s This Morning shortly after Mike’s death and revealed Mike had texted her prior to his death but she didn’t reply.
‘I spoke to him two days before. But I’m kicking myself because he text me but I didn’t actually reply. I’m really bad on my phone. I wish I had replied,’ she said, through tears.
RIP: Mike tragically took his own life at the age of 26 on 15 March 2019 (pictured in 2017)
After Mike’s death, producers announced key changes to islanders’ duty of care and said all would be able to access therapy sessions, social media and financial training, and a minimum of 14 months of ‘proactive’ contact.
‘We are outlining today our welfare processes follow three key stages: pre-filming, filming and aftercare,’ creative Director ITV Studios Entertainment Richard Cowles said at the time.
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‘We are increasing our post filming support to help Islanders following their time in villa.’
It was reported last month that Love Island bosses have ramped up psychological testing in the search to find the next batch of singletons, after the tragic deaths of Mike, Sophie Gradon and host Caroline Flack.
Struggle: Reflecting on Mike’s mental health battle, Andy said they ‘felt utter disbelief’ after, and Shirley added: ‘We have to live with what happened and he is on our mind every single day’
Sophie took her own life aged 32 back in June 2018 after appearing on season two of the show two years prior. Her heartbroken boyfriend Aaron Armstrong took his own life just 20 days later aged 25.
In December 2019, Caroline left her role presenting the show in the wake of her arrest over an alleged assault on her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
The presenter was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, London, on February 15, 2020, aged 40. She too had taken her own life.
Changes: It was reported last month that Love Island bosses have ramped up psychological testing, after the tragic deaths of Mike, Sophie Gradon (pictured) and host Caroline Flack
The Sun claimed once past the audition stage, potential islanders will undergo three rounds of testing to ensure they will be able to cope with starring on the ITV2 show and the subsequent fame afterwards.
The publication also stated stringent measures now require the cast to provide their doctors’ details and list and medications they are taking.
The insider added that singletons will be closely monitored with support provided to those anyone who needs it.
Devastating: Caroline (pictured in 2019) was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, London, on February 15, 2020. She too had taken her own life
A spokesperson for ITV told MailOnline: ‘The processes and the support offered to Islanders have necessarily evolved as the show has developed and grown in popularity.’
Love Island has not aired since February 2020 after both the summer 2020 and winter 2021 editions were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For confidential support or advice call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free or visit www.samaritans.org.
Off the air: Love Island has not aired since February 2020 after both the summer 2020 and winter 2021 editions were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic
Source: Daily Mail
