Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Caroline Flack has died. She was 40.
The formerLove Islandhost, who stepped away from the popular U.K. series after she was charged with assault in December 2019, was found dead at her apartment on Saturday, according toThe Sunand theDaily Mail.
“We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February,“ read a family statement given to the U.K.’s Press Association. “We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.“
Flack’s lawyer, Paul Morris, also gave a statement to PEOPLE, saying, “I am utterly devastated at Caroline’s passing and cannot comment further about matters, including the criminal proceedings, at the moment. My thoughts are with Caroline’s family as we respect their privacy at this very sad and difficult time.“
“The most extraordinary woman.This is wrong. And I’m angry. This is so wrong,”The Sun‘s Dan Wootton wrote on Instagram as news began to spread, alongside a photograph of Flack.
“Caroline is one of the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met. She was kind to a fault. She cared like no one else. She was vulnerable. Other people’s feelings meant the world to her. She deserved so much more.I am truly heartbroken. This is so wrong. So wrong,” he added on Twitter.
In herlast social media post, which was shared on Friday, Flack, who previously dated Harry Styles in 2011, posted a quartet of images that showed her cuddling with her dog, which she captioned with a red heart emoji.
Flack’s rep did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life,” she began an Instagram Story post. “While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.”
“However, Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down for Series 6,” she continued. “I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.”
Caroline Flack/ Instagram
A spokesman for Flack addressed the news in a statement to the BBC at the time: “We confirm that police attended Caroline’s home following a private domestic incident. She is co-operating with the appropriate people to resolve matters. We will not be making any further comment for legal reasons.”
In a court appearance that month at London’s Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, Flackplead not guiltyto the charge of assaulting her boyfriend, a former professional tennis player and model, CNN reported at the time via the PA news agency.
At the court date, Flack’s lawyer, Paul Morris, reportedly told the judge that Burton did not support the prosecution and was a witness, “not a victim.” But the prosecutor reportedly insisted Burton “is a victim” and “sustained a significant injury to his head.”
Flack was released on bail with conditions that prevent her from having contact with Burton ahead of the March 4 trial, according to the reports.
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Caroline Flack and Lewis Burton.Lewis Burton/Instagram
Flack went on to address the court appearance on her Instagram Story, writing, “Thankfully I know a lot of you will not believe all that you have heard and read following today’s court hearing…Thank you for your continued support and love…It’s going to be a relief when I am able to give my side of the story, when I’m allowed to x.”
Burton, 27, also spoke out on his Instagram Story.
“It’s heartbreaking I can’t see my girlfriend over Christmas,” he wrote. “What I witnessed today was horrible. She did not hit me with a lamp…Arguments do happen every day in every relationship. Gutted I am not allowed to protect her right now.”
source: people.com
