Love Island's Dr Alex hits back at troll after brother's death
The following article contains discussion of themes including mental health.
Love Island's Dr Alex George has criticised a troll who made an insensitive comment following the tragic death of Dr Alex's younger brother Llŷr.
The doctor's brother sadly passed away in July, with Dr Alex stating that his death was related to mental health issues and calling his brother "the kindest and most caring soul".
"I was so proud of you starting medical school next month, you would have been the most incredible doctor," he wrote in a statement. "We are hurting so bad. No words can explain. As a family we are devastated. We love you and miss you so much."
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Dr Alex, who took part in the fourth series of Love Island in 2018, shared a short clip of a quiet seaside scene on his Instagram Stories on Saturday (July 9), writing that his trip was "good for the soul".
However he then received a reply from a follower who criticised him for posting the clip, with Dr Alex sharing a screenshot of the message which read, "Your brother is dead, get off social media".
The doctor shared his upset at receiving the comment on his Stories, writing, "Imagine being this person. I'm holding [myself together] by a thread and you get people like this."
He went on to explain that he likes to let his followers know that he is okay, which is why he has posted on social media since his brother's sad death.
A post shared by Dr Alex (@dralexgeorge) on Aug 4, 2020 at 9:17am PDT
"I am honest and open with you all. The good, the bad and the ugly," he wrote. "There is so much that isn't shared online of course. So many of you are so kind and message me each day with well wishes. I often post to let you know I am still going strong."
Dr Alex attended his brother's funeral earlier this week and shared a tribute to Llŷr on Instagram, posting a photo of the pair together and calling the funeral "the hardest day of my life".
"It wasn't goodbye. Llŷr, your dream was to become a doctor, you will live that dream. Every patient I see, we will do it together, you and I," he wrote. "I love you so much Llŷr, you are always with me, my boy."
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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