#CarolineFlack, the former host of the British version of Love Island, has died at the age of 40.
Flack, who has been a presenter on UK television since 2002, was found dead at her home in London on Saturday. A lawyer for the Flack family told Sky News that she died by #suicide.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
In a statement, the family said: “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.”
Flack was due to go on trial on March 4 for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, tennis player Lewis Burton, during an incident at her London home on December 12. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The allegations resulted in her stepping down as the host of ITV2’s Love Island for the winter season this year. She was replaced by Laura Whitmore, but ITV made clear that the door was open for her return.
An ITV spokesman said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is 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.” Love Island: Unseen Bits will not air tonight on ITV2.
Flack had hosted Love Island since 2015 and, before that, was a fixture on British TV screens in shows including The X Factor spinoff The Xtra Factor. She also appeared as a guest on the likes of Loose Women and Celebrity Juice, and triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
Jameela Jamil, who worked as a TV presenter in the UK before starring in The Good Place, was among those who voiced shock at the news. “Rest In Peace Caroline Flack. This is f******g horrendous,” she tweeted. Presenter Eamonn Holmes added: “Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace.”
TV agent Jonathan Shalit said: “Caroline Flack was an extraordinarily talented warm friendly delightful individual who had not a bad bone in her body. She only gave joy and a smile to all those who came into contact with her.” In another tweet, Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said:Piers Morgan?@piersmorgan
Caroline was a fun, bright & sparky person whose whole world collapsed recently, both professionally & personally. She told me it had been the worst time of her life, and was clearly struggling to cope with losing everything she held dear.
This is such sad, awful news.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
