Love island star Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland after downing a cocktail of alcohol and cocaine, an inquest heard today (June 5).

Mike was found hanging by a woman out jogging near his home in Edmonton, north London, on March 16, the inquest heard.

The 26-year-old who featured in the third season of the ITV reality show in 2017, was a semi-pro footballer and had plans to set up a restaurant in Essex with fellow footballer Scott Neilson at the time of his death.

The Cypriot striker played for teams including Stevenage, Ebbsfleet United, Boreham Wood, St Albans City, Margate, Hemel Hempstead Town, Chelmsford and Welling United.

The inquest lasted 30 minutes

North London Coroner's Court heard a black notebook was found near his body that was 'a combination of a diary, letters and positive thoughts' and contained letters to his family in the back.

The full inquest, which lasted for around 30 minutes, had been fast-tracked, although it was not explained why.

The only evidence given was that of the post-mortem, toxicology report and a brief statement from the jogger who found Mike's body.

The police officer who found Mike gave evidence for around five minutes.

Senior Coroner Andrew Walker said: "I listed this matter as a fast-track matter.

"The witnesses I chose were chosen together with the family who I have been in contact with as witnesses I felt best able to deal with the inquest."

PC Emma Clauson told the inquest: "Where we found Michael Thalassitis there was a black notebook.

"I looked through the notebook which was a combination of a diary, letters and positive thoughts.

"At the back there was a number of notes that had been addressed to his family."

In relation to the letters found in the back of Mike's notepad, the Coroner said: "There's a clear intention within the notes that Mike Thalassitis's life should come to an end.

"In order to deal with the notes what I propose to do is to is to summarise them.

"That is to say there were a number of notes left behind and messages in which Mr Thalassitis clearly set out his intention that his life should come to an end."

The court heard a toxicology report found traces of anti-depressant Fluoxetine in his blood at a 'therapeutic' level and low levels of paracetamol - although doctors could not rule out that there may have been a higher concentration of the painkiller in his blood.

The Coroner said: "Toxicology found the presence of cocaine, ethanol, Fluoxetine and paracetamol.

"The ethanol concentration is consistent with alcohol intoxication.

"Sheffield NHS Teaching Hospitals found the level of Fluoxetine was therapeutic and there was evidence of paracetamol use - low use but it does not exclude previous excessive concentration."

Recording a verdict of suicide and confirming a cause of death as cerebral hypoxia and hanging, Mr Walker said: "There were no suspicious circumstances.

"It seems to me that I can be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Mike Thalassitis did voluntarily do an act namely hanging himself from the branch of a tree while he was conscious of what he was doing.

"The summary of the notes set out plainly as far as I can see that Mr Thalassitis' intention was that his life came to an end."

"A wonderful son and brother"

The family of Mike Thalassitis and his Love Island co-star Montana Brown paid tribute to the reaility TV star after an inquest ruled that he committed suicide.

His mum, who attended the 30 minute hearing in north London, described him as a wonderful son and brother.' Reading a statement from Mike's mum Shirley, dad Andy and brother Nick, the star's former manager and agent Dave Read said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind messages and support during this very difficult time.

"Today's inquest concludes the sad news of the sad loss of our beautiful son and brother.

"We would respectfully request privacy at this time and digest what has happened to our family.

Read more: Police confirm Love Island star Mike Thalassitis hanged himself in woods

"Mike was a wonderful son and brother and will be dearly missed."

Montana, who also attended today's hearing, said: "I don't really have too much to say, but what I will say is I think when someone dies in this way you don't give up on the memory and I think that a lot of people are scared to talk about it.

"But I think it's important to let his memory live on and remember the importance of why this happened, and to change your own life on what terrible, terrible thing has happened to Mike.

"I think everyone should be nicer, a little bit kinder - it's such an awful world we live in, it's just nice to be nice."

She added: "I've definitely changed the way I live my life - and I urge others to do the same."

She refused to comment further on Mike or the latest series of Love Island which began on Monday.

Public outcry for better aftercare of stars

After Love Island, Mike also appeared on the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating on E4.

The fifth season of the hit-reality TV show aired on Monday aired a tribute to the late contestant after the credits had rolled.

A black screen appeared alongside a photo of Thalassitis and a message that read: "In loving memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993 - 2019".

Mike is the second former contestant to have taken their own life since the series began in 2005 and was re-booted in 2015.

Model Sophie Gradon, 32, appeared on the second series of the reboot and was found dead in June 2018.

The pair's deaths sparked a public outcry for better aftercare of the contestants by producers.