Mike Thalassitis’s parents have closed a Go Fund Me page set up to raise money for his funeral.
The ‘Love Island’ star took his own life earlier this month and although the website raised £5,000 of the £25,000 target in just one day, his family have asked for the account to be closed amid concerns fraudsters could set up pages to fool fans into handing over their cash.
A message on the page – which was set up by "close friends" – read: "Thank you all for your generous donations thus far. I have spoken with Mike’s family and while they are grateful for all of the support his friends have given, they have asked to close the gofundme at this time.
"Please be assured the money raised to date will go directly to the family who intend to open a new page controlled by themselves in due course. All proceeds will then be consolidated and donated to a mental health charity of their choice.
"While this particular page was created by his close friends, they are concerned that fraudulent accounts could be activated by strangers using their name.
"Therefore, please do not donate to any other pages until an official statement has been made by the immediate Thalassitis family within the next week or so."
The page had been shared by ‘Love Island’s Jack Fowler and ‘Celebs Go Dating’ star Tallia Storm on their own social media accounts.
Tallia wrote: "Please help to raise money for Mike’s family to help pay for his funeral any amount helps they shouldn’t have to face this alone."
When the page was first set up, it pledged to use the money to cover the costs of Mike’s funeral and donate anything left over to a mental health charity.
It read: Mike Thalassitis was a beloved son, brother, friend and good man to many people.
"As everybody is aware we all lost a brilliant person on March 16th.
"I’m sure that everyone here and all those that were fortunate enough to know Mike wishes that they had done or said something that could have changed this outcome and have helped him in so that this terrible tragedy did not befall Mike and everybody that cared for him.
"Mike’s family were doing everything possible to come to terms with the death of Andy’s mum (Mike’s Nan) before their youngest son was taken within days of each other. Mike’s family are hard working people experiencing a time of intense pain and suffering. "Accordingly we are asking for all of your help so that they do not have to face anything alone.
"So we have created this as a collection so all of those who want to contribute can. We will give all donations raised to Mike’s mum and dad to help fund his funeral costs and the rest given to a mental health charity of their choice."
Mike Thalassitis’s parents close Go Fund Me page
