ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Sick Troll Shares Instagram Post Falsely Claiming Love Island Contestant Sherif Lanre Has Died

Sick Troll Shares Instagram Post Falsely Claiming Love Island Contestant Sherif Lanre Has Died

A spokesperson for Sherif confirmed he is well and police are investigating the post

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A former Love Island contestant was the centre of a horrific death hoax last night after it was claimed he had 'died in a fire'.

A fake Instagram account of someone pretending to be a friend of Sherif Lanre shared a post that said the 20-year-old had tragically passed away.

The post also urged fans to send messages of condolence to the Londoner's account.

A spokesperson for Sherif told the Metro that he was well and confirmed police are now investigating the sick post.

The phoney message said: "RIP my boy sherif. My man has f****** died in a house fire. After he left the hot water tap on and spent the last hours of his life suffering horribly.

A spokesperson for the star has confirmed it was a fake post and police are investigating.
Instagram

"Hope his family are ok after this shocking news, rip in peace my bro #blessupmyg."

They added: "If we can all pay our upmost respects by going onto his account @sherif_lanre and commenting how sad we are. (everyone make sure to follow, like and tag your friends for a gift card giveaway) #loveisland #dead #freeclout.'

The sinister post is made even crueller, as it's widely known that two former Love Island contestants have taken their own lives in the past.

Mike Thalassitis, 26 tragically died in March this year, while in June 2018 Sophie Gradon, 32, also passed away.

Earlier this year, ITV bosses announced plans to change how they look after contestants once they leave the show.

Sherif took part in this year's series but left the villa early on.
ITV

The show's producers have said they will be offering 'bespoke training' to all future contestants.

All contestants will be given therapy after leaving the island, as well as being given help with social media and how to manage their money.

In a letter to The Sun, Richard Cowles, who is creative director of ITV Studios, outlined his plans.

Mr Cowles wrote: "When something so awful happens we naturally enter a period of soul searching and ask whether anything could have been done.

"This review has led us to extend our support processes to offer therapy to all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us. And we will be delivering bespoke training to all future Islanders to include social media and financial management.

"The key focus will be for us to no longer be reliant on the Islanders asking us for support, but for us to proactively check in with them on a regular basis."

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Instagram, UK News, Interesting, UK Entertainment, Love Island