Sophie Gradon’s boyfriend took his own life weeks after her death, coroner rules

The boyfriend of Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon took his own life just weeks after she killed herself, a coroner has ruled.

Aaron Armstrong’s mother Donna discovered him in his bedroom at the family home in Blyth, Northumberland, on 10 July last year.

Coroner Eric Armstrong found the 25-year-old had alcohol and cocaine in his body when he died, and the effects of the substances had prevented him from thinking rationally.

The inquest in North Shields, North Tyneside, was told Mr Armstrong and his brother Ryan had found the 32-year-old’s body in Ponteland, Northumberland, the previous month.

In a statement to the inquest, read out by the coroner, Mrs Armstrong, described how the discovery left her son “absolutely hysterical”.

In the following weeks Mr Armstrong’s mood became quiet and very upset, the inquest heard.

A toxicology report after his death found he had drunk alcohol and had enough cocaine in his system to put him in the range of someone who could be arrested for impaired driving if they were caught behind the wheel, the coroner said.

The inquest heard that those substances “increased the likelihood of violent thoughts and actions”.

The coroner clarified this was not a suicide verdict, but returned a narrative conclusion that Mr Armstrong “having consumed alcohol and cocaine, took his own life”.

He added: “The consequence of taking alcohol and cocaine together prevented him from thinking rationally about his actions.”

An inquest for Miss Gradon was due to be heard on Thursday but has been postponed.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2019: Sophie Gradon’s boyfriend took his own life weeks after her death, coroner rules