Martine McCutcheon has shared the heartbreaking news that her brother has died suddenly, aged 31. The Love Actually star took to social media on Tuesday (October 11) to share the devastating news about her beloved sibling, LJ.
She shared two photos of her brother with her thousands of Instagram followers as she announced his tragic death, which occurred at the end of last month.
The 46-year-old then wrote in the caption of the heartbreaking post: "My heart is forever broken… My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago. He was 31 years old."
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Martine went on to say that there appears to be 'no medical explanation' behind her brother's death and the family are still desperately looking into the cause.
She said: "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." Martine continued her emotional post by paying tribute to her late brother, recalling the moment she first set eyes on him.
"L.J (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! 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."
Martine, who also starred in BBC One soap EastEnders, also shared the tragedy has come weeks before her little brother was due to get married. "LJ fell in love and was due to get married next month… I was asked to be bridesmaid and the last time I saw him, was a few days before he passed. He, jack and his future stepson had been to try on their wedding suits and then they came back to have dinner with his fiancée and the family to see our new home. 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." She ended her post with a moving vow. "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."
The post was quickly flooded with messages of support from Martine's famous pals. Actress Sheridan Smith replied: "Oh I am so sorry Martine." BBC Radio 1 host Clara Amfo commented: "So sorry to learn this Martine, sending lots of love." Singer and radio host Myleen Klass replied: "Martine. My heart is utterly broken for you. I am so very sorry." Former TOWIE star Billie Shephard added: "I am so sorry to hear this Martine. Sending you and family lots of love and strength."
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