Paul Flack, the older brother of late TV presenter Caroline Flack, has sadly died aged 55. The news comes more than six years after Caroline's death in February 2020.
An inquest into Paul's death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Monday (29 June), where it was confirmed further enquiries are being carried out. The inquest has been adjourned until October.
Paul, an artist and graphic designer from Norfolk, is survived by his partner and two children. In the years following Caroline's death, he became one of the family's public voices, appearing alongside his mother, Christine Flack, in documentaries about Caroline's life and legacy, including Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death and Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth.
He also paid tribute to his younger sister on social media following her death. In what would become his final Instagram post, shared in June 2020, Paul wrote alongside a picture of his sister as a child: "This will be my last post here. May those who know feel shame for eternity. Love you Caroline."
Caroline died on 15 February 2020 at the age of 40 while awaiting trial after being charged with assault by beating following an incident involving her then-boyfriend, Lewis Burton, in December 2019. She had pleaded not guilty and the trial had not taken place at the time of her death. Burton publicly said he did not want the prosecution to go ahead.
Since then, Caroline's family have continued to campaign for what they believe is a greater understanding of the events surrounding her final months, as well as the impact they say intense media scrutiny had on the Love Island presenter.
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When Cosmopolitan UK spoke to Caroline's mother, Christine Flack, ahead of the release of Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth last year, she described the grief of losing her daughter as something that never truly fades.
"It doesn't get any easier," Christine told Cosmopolitan UK. "You just learn to live with it."
Explaining why she wanted to take part in the documentary, she added: "I promised Caroline that I would tell her story. I wanted people to see the real Caroline."
Christine also said she hoped the documentary would help ensure her daughter's legacy was defined by the person she was, rather than the headlines surrounding the final months of her life, adding that she wanted people to remember Caroline "for who she really was."
Friends of Caroline's who organise a festival each year in her memory, FLACKSTOCK, posted a moving tribute to Paul: "We are beyond heartbroken by Paul Flack’s passing. We loved Paul so deeply, and this news has shattered us all. Paul was funny, kind and loving. He gave the best hugs and had the most brilliant laugh. We will miss him so much.
"Flackstock exists as a festival to give people hope. To remember those who have been lost, and to hold a hand out to anyone who is struggling. This news is hard to hear and hard to share. Right now, our focus is supporting the Flack family however we can, so please bear with us while we grieve someone we loved so very, very much. If you are struggling, you are not alone. The Samaritans are there for you 24/7 on 116 123."
Our thoughts are with Paul Flack's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.
For mental health support, reach out to the Samaritans, day or night on 116 123. You are never alone.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
