Love Island’s Montana Brown pays tribute to Mike Thalassitis on one-year anniversary of his death

A host of former Love Island contestants took to Instagram on Sunday to pay tribute to Mike Thalassitis on the one-year anniversary of him taking his own life.

Montana Brown, 24, led the tributes to the reality TV star, who was found hanged in a park near his home in Edmonton, north London, at the age of 26.

Sharing a shot of Mike posing in a powder blue shirt with a navy tie, she wrote: ‘Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.’

Jonny Mitchell, who appeared alongside Mike and Montana on the ITV2 dating show in 2017, also paid his respects as he shared shots of the two posing on nights out.

He said: ‘Can’t believe a whole year’s gone by since you left us bro. Still find it difficult to comprehend you’re not with us any more. You were too good for this world! Never forgotten Magic Mike.’

Uploading an image of himself with Mike in happier times, Luis Morrison stated: ‘1 year ago today since we lost you in our lives. There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think of you and I hope your resting in peace. I love you and will always miss you ❤️.’

Joining his co-stars was Sam Gowland, who also shared a snap of himself with Mike, as he wrote: ‘1 year ago today… where does the time go!! Rest easy brother.’

The posts come weeks after Mark’s co-stars marked what would have been his 27th birthday with a host of heartfelt tributes. 

The likes of Montana Brown, Jonny Mitchell and Georgia Harrison took to social media on to honour the tragic reality star.

Montana posted two photos to Instagram of her with him, captioning them: ‘Happy birthday angel face, miss you so much and I hope you’re having a party party up there wherever you are. I wish we all had more time with you. We lost you too early.’

She added: ‘If you’re looking at this feeling suicidal and unhappy, please speak to someone, if you don’t want to speak to someone you know, you can also text @giveusashoutinsta. You are all amazing, you all are worthy of the help and I know you’re so loved.’ 

Jonny Mitchell uploaded a snap of them enjoying a toast in happier times, penning: ‘Happy Birthday Magic Mike. Miss you big man ❤️’

Georgia Harrison posted a snap of her with Mike on Love Island, adding the caption: ‘Happy birthday @mike_thala i think of you all the time, your humour, your caring nature, your generosity, the way you were an absolute gentleman.

‘The sort of man that would carry your bags for you, open the door for you, be the first person person at the bar offering everyone a drink. 

‘I miss you so much and i still regret so many moments where i missed the extent of what was going on in your head.

‘I know you’re in a better place and you motivate me in so many ways still. Thankyou for making me laugh and being by my side when i cried. Its so hard to talk about your feelings and whats going on in your head, especially for men [sic]’

She used the opportunity to promote a mental health organisation for men, continuing: ‘Please follow @boysgetsadtoostudio who give a percentage of their profits towards mens mental health.

‘I know sometimes you can feel like you have nothing left to live for, ive been there, believe me. But if you just start by talking about it and being honest the ods are with time youll get through it.

‘Life is full of obs ups and downs and mike was made to feel like he wasnt good enough and i think thats why the world was so shocked because anyone who knew him knew he was more than enough.

‘He was an absolute legend and legends never die. I love you so much , when u left you broke the hearts of people that hadnt even met you because you were that amazing. See you in the next life ⭐️⭐️⭐️ [sic]’

Sam Gowland, of the same season, posted a tribute, sharing photos of him with Mike, captioning one: ‘Happy birthday brother! We all miss u very much! [sic]’

And of one of Mike and Sam sat by the fire pit on the show, he wrote: ‘Memories for a lifetime! [sic]’ 

Mike was found hanged in a park last March – 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.

For confidential support or advice call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free or visit www.samaritans.org.