Jake Hall's devastated family have spoken out after the very unique funeral for the former TOWIE star who died last month. The reality TV star turned fashion designer was just 35 at the time.
He died after crashing through a glass door at his rental apartment in Majorca, Spain, following a night out with friends.
His funeral, held last week, saw the star celebrated at a joyous afterparty that followed a church service attended by the likes of his TOWIE castmates and other famous faces, including boxer Derek Chisora, the Thomas brothers, and his former partner Chloe Lewis.
The wake took place in Shoreditch, across three floors, with guests moving through a curated experience spanning a fashion installation, a full art exhibition of Jake's original paintings, live performances, and a club night.
Held at the independent music venue Unlocked Shoreditch, owned by Jake's brother Sonny Hall, the night was planned to celebrate Jake's love of the creative world.
The fashion floor paid tribute to Jake's iconic 137 hoodie, embroidered with the words: "Something happens every time I wear this." The art gallery floor presented the first major public showing of Jake's original paintings. The basement closed the night as a proper club send-off, with headline DJ sets and live performances from his friends Maverick Sabre, Tom Grennan, The Kooks, and further artists. The night drew guests from across Jake's world — from fashion and music to art and entertainment.
After the event raised eyebrows amongst some, on behalf of Jake's family, Sonny Hall said: "We wanted to give Jake a send-off that matched who he was — not a quiet room, not a conventional goodbye."
Sonny added: "He lived out loud. He built things. He made people feel something. Last night was our way of saying: we saw you. We're proud of you. And we're not done yet."
"The art, the foundation, everything we're building in his name — that's the mission continuing. Choose everything."
Earlier in the day, there had been a traditional service to lay Jake to rest. Outside the church gathered a crowd, and a screen had been set up to show the service. His best friend joked to the congregation: "From one narcissistic mummy's boy to another, I love you forever."
Also in attendance were James Argent and David Beckham's mum and sister, Sandra and Joanne Beckham, at St Mary the Virgin church in Wanstead.
Jake's former TOWIE girlfriend Chloe Lewis joined the mourners. The pair dated on and off since they were teenagers. When news first broke of his death, Chloe decided to take a break from social media to fully digest the devastating news.
Last month, she broke her silence and penned a loving tribute to the man she described as her "first love." Posting her tribute on social media, she wrote: "My first love, my childhood sweetheart. A love that taught me so much about life and myself, and even more so now your presence is no longer here. A complete pain in the a**e most of the time, but always with the purest heart and the greatest soul. You touched so many lives and meant well in everything you did."
She added: "I knew who you were… and I know what you wanted from life… a happy home and a loving family. Being the best dad was the most important thing to you and we always used to speak about it. You did that, Jake, with pride and made it look so easy and effortless. Like I knew you would."
Chloe and Jake first met when they were 16 years old, and she went on to give a full rundown of their first encounter. After joining TOWIE, Chloe claimed that the show "took over our relationship," which left her heartbroken.
She continued: "We had our ups and downs, but we always knew how to come back to each other… until it was all too late. Life got in the way, and we separated after spending 10 years together. We didn't love wrong, we just didn't know how to hold on to it. The most talented and creative person I knew, from such a young age — starting Prevu in your mum and dad's garage. Me and Mummy were always your No.1 fans."
She went on to add: "You came up with the most gorgeous styles that were completely original, and I remember the day you made me the first womenswear piece and insisted on taking photos of me wearing it. It was unique, just like you. You loved music the way it should be loved, and the words to so many songs mean so much more now. I'll never forget the moment you sang 'Ordinary People' to me for the first time, and it will forever be our song. Sitting at your laptop, smiling at me while singing, 'Girl, I'm in love with you…' with your cheeky smile and love in your eyes. The best kind of Jake."
She ended her tribute wishing Jake peace and vowed to always have him in her thoughts.
