Former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon has shared how devastated she is after the death of her brother aged 31.
The actress revealed that her brother, LJ – Laurence John – died suddenly with ‘no medical explanation’.
Taking to Instagram to share the sad news, McCutcheon wrote: ‘My heart is forever broken…
‘My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago. He was 31 years old.
‘There is no medical explanation as to why we lost him so soon and whilst we investigate further, we are having to accept that nothing will bring our boy back to us.
‘LJ (Laurence John) was born when I was 15 years old and from the moment I first held him in my arms, I felt so proud and fiercely protective of him. He was such a character! He made us all laugh and loved nothing more than making a plan, having a great play list, bringing people together and generally having a giggle. He hated the thought of a party ending and so was always on to the next thing!
‘LJ had a mild form of special needs and was very clever with gadgets & adored his cars! With unwavering love, support and a commitment to himself, he took hold of life with both hands and smashed through any expectation we had of him. He would genuinely blow us all away at times!’
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McCutcheon continued: ‘He had a huge heart and adored Rafferty. He gave me so much, he was my anchor, my radar of what really mattered in life and whilst he was always so proud of me and would tell the world I was his sister – I always wanted to protect him from the limelight and the characters that could be drawn to him for the wrong reasons.
‘He travelled the world, he had parents, sisters, a brother and friends that couldn’t have loved him more! He could have you infuriated one minute and laughing the next with his dimples and soppy smile.’
McCutcheon shared that her brother was due to marry next month, and she had been asked to be a bridesmaid.
She saw her brother a few days before he died after he had gone to try on wedding suits: ‘He looked so tanned, tall and handsome. The best I’ve ever seen him… Ironic really… My heart aches for all who have lost him. But my heart breaks for our mum, his dad John & his Step parents.
‘You should never outlive your children. I’m scared to live without you LJ but I know you will want us to truly live, laugh and love in your memory. I will try I promise,’ she concluded.
Fans and friends rushed to the comments to share their condolences, with Towie star Billie Shepherd writing: ‘I am so sorry to hear this Martine 😔 sending you and family lots of love and strength.’
Myleene Klass commented: ‘Martine. My heart is utterly broken for you. I am so very sorry.’
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