Martine McCutcheon discussed bridesmaid plans with brother LJ just days before he died 'without medical explanation' aged 31 just a month before his wedding - as final picture with his fiancée Jay Eaton, 49, is revealed

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Martine McCutcheon has revealed she was asked to be a bridesmaid at her brother Lauren John's (LJ) wedding, before he suddenly died 'without medical explanation'.

The TV presenter, 46, shared her sibling's passing in an Instagram post on Tuesday, and went onto reveal that just days before his death she had been discussing his plans to marry his fiancée Jay Eaton, 49, next month.

The final images of LJ - who had a mild form of special needs - alongside his wife-to-be Jay were shared on social media back in August, with Martine revealing in her tribute that her brother had died two weeks ago.

Tragic: The final image of Martin McCutcheon's brother Laurence John (LJ) with his fiancée Jay Eaton 49, has emerged, after the website designer died suddenly 'without medical explanation' at the age of 31

In her lengthy post, Martine wrote: '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.'

The star added that LJ had been trying on wedding suits with Jay's son Jack, 26, and her husband Jack McManus, before travelling to her house to have dinner and see her new home. 

The final image of LJ with his fiancée Jay was posted on her Instagram account back in August.

The snap showed the pair heading out to enjoy a romantic dinner, with Jay captioning the post: 'Date night with my gorgeous fiancé @ljmccutcheon.'

Hard: The TV presenter revealed in her heartbreaking tribute that LJ asked her to be a bridesmaid at his wedding, which was due to take place next month (pictured with her brother in 2013) 

Happier times: The final images of LJ with his fiancéé Jay were posted on her Instagram account back in August, and showed the couple preparing for a date night

On Tuesday Martine revealed her brother LJ had died suddenly two weeks earlier at the age of 31, writing the caption: '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. 

'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. 

Heartbreaking: On Tuesday, Martine revealed her brother LJ had died suddenly two weeks earlier at the age of 31, writing the caption: 'My heart is forever broken, My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago' 

RIP: '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 added in her post

'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!'

She continued: '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. 

So sorry: A host of celebrities and followers took to the comments section to offer their condolences 

'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. 

'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…' 

Memories: Martine also took to her Stories to share the same image with her brother alongside the song Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia, which was LJ's favourite song

Grateful: The former EastEnders actress also shared a statement in which she thanked her fans for all their 'amazing messages of love and support' for her sibling

She continued: '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.' 

In 2021, LJ shared the same photo and wrote: 'This is a very special photo to me. I would like to thank my big sister for organising a summer birthday celebration last Saturday! 

Love: LJ's Instagram bio described him as a 'proud brother to his sister @martinemccutcheon

Sad loss: LJ pictured with his fiancée Jay Eaton on April 13. He had written: 'Can't wait to see you walk down the aisle on our wedding' 

So sad: He had shared this post about being excited about getting married to Jay 

'Martine has been there though out my life and seen me grow into the person I am today. I have struggles with life with and my special needs but I’ve overcome the obstacles I have faced throughout my years. 

'My sister has been inspirational to me. Martine made my 30th very special and I'm making a week of it! Love you so much @martinemccutcheon #30 #family #sibbings.' [sic]

Myleene Klass was among the first to offer her condolences to Martine. 

She wrote: 'Martine. My heart is utterly broken for you. I am so very sorry.' 

Family: Martine pictured sharing a joke with her grandmother, mother and brother at her Behind The Scenes book launch at Claridge's on October 21, 2003 

Claire Sweeney wrote: 'Darling im so sorry to hear this.'

Billie Shepherd penned: I am so sorry to hear this Martine. sending you and family lots of love and strength.'

'Oh I am so sorry Martine', commented Sheridan Smith.

'Oh darling I’m so so sorry to hear this. I send my heartfelt condolences and love to you and all the family. XXX' added Imelda May.

Former TOWIE star Shelby Tribble shared: 'So sorry for your loss.' 

Together: LJ pictured with sister Martine and his mother Jenny Tomlin

Out and about: LJ shared this picture of himself with TOWIE star James Argent back in 2015 

Proud brother: He shared this picture of Martine on stage with her husband Jack McManus back in 2015 

Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon wrote: 'so sorry for your loss Martine, sending love.'

With Clara Amfo adding: 'So sorry to learn this Martine, sending lots of love xxx.'

Martine also took to her stories to share the same image with her brother alongside the song Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia, which was LJ's favourite song.

She penned: One of your fave songs ever... we used to blare it full blast in the car and sing it out loud whilst dancing in our seats! It couldn't be more apt right now.

'I love you baby boy. Always have. Always will.

'I will honour your memory forever and try to grab life like you did! ALL of your family were and are so proud of you. Go and show all the angels how it's done.'

'He had a huge heart and adored Rafferty': Martine said her brother was very close to her little boy, (pictured)

The former EastEnders actress also shared a statement in which she thanks her fans for all their 'amazing messages of love and support' for her sibling. 

She went on to add that she wanted to put a 'true and fitting tribute' for her brother, adding that she and her whole family need time to grieve and heal. 

Following LJ's death, Martine's step-mother Elle McCutcheon remarked: 'We just need our privacy at the moment.'

When asked about the cause of LJ's death, she said: 'It's still being investigated and we have no further comment to make'.

LJ's Instagram bio reads: 'I’m LJ proud brother to my sister @martinemccutcheon. Founder of @mccutcheonwebsitedesigns and fiancé to my beautiful wife to be my soulmate forever.' 

Close: Martine shared this snap in 2018 and wrote: 'Me and my bro #neverfailstomakeuslaugh'

'My sister has been inspirational to me': LJ shared this caption on the same photo Martine shared on Monday when he posted it last year 

Martine previously posted a birthday message to her brother on his 30th birthday last June.

She wrote at the time: 'Happy 30th Birthday to my little (big) brother LJ!

'I’m so proud of all you have achieved and who you have become - Against the odds. You arrived into my world when I was 15 and I adored you from the moment I first held you.

'You’ve battled at times with your special needs and have had your struggles but you were always determined to live a normal life, have a good job, fall in love and get married...

'The things so many take for granted were your biggest dreams and now it’s all coming true for you! I’m so thrilled for you! Enjoy your day with Jay and Happy Birthday Darling, here’s to your best year yet!'

Sweet: The actress and TV personality posted a collection of images with her brother, (second from right) on his 30th birthday back in June

Last year: Alongside the sweet birthday snap, Martin penned a lengthy caption praising her brother for being 'determined to live a normal life' despite his struggles