A close friend of Jake Hall, the former star of The Only Way Is Essex, has claimed that his involvement with the reality show was the worst event in his life, ultimately leading to his tragic death. Jake Hall passed away last week at the age of 35 after sustaining a chest injury when he reportedly ran through a patio door at a rented property in Santa Margalida, Majorca.
The friend, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: 'Being famous and rich was the worst thing that could have happened to him. Being on the show was the worst thing he could have done, it sent him off the rails. He was very up and down and had a real problem with booze and drugs.' The friend also revealed that Hall had been suicidal years before his death, stating: 'We weren't sure if it was about attention but he was distressed for sure. He was very down and the drugs and alcohol had gone from being fun to actually breaking him. He was a beautiful boy but so lonely and so lost.'
Friend's Account of Jake's Struggles
The insider described Hall as wanting to 'live like Cristiano Ronaldo' but on a TOWIE star's budget, and claimed that some people around him were not true friends. Spanish police have confirmed that his death is being treated as accidental, a view shared by his ex-partner and mother of his daughter, Misse Beqiri.
Misse Beqiri's Tribute
Following the news, Misse Beqiri paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: 'I never thought I would ever have to write this, and the pain of even putting these words down feels unbearable. There was no way you were ever supposed to go. My heart is shattered, and so is our daughter's.' She described Hall as someone who 'lit up every room you walked into' and promised to keep their daughter, River, 'safe, loved, and wrapped in the kind of love you gave so effortlessly.'
An autopsy was expected to take place in Palma, with results sent to an investigating judge and not officially released, as is standard procedure in Spain.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the Samaritans offer a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
