KATE Garraway’s celebrity friends have rushed to offer support and pay tribute to Derek Draper following his death.
In a heartbreaking announcement, TV star Kate revealed he had died – while holding his hand – after a four-year battle with Covid.
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Kate Garraway has revealed the tragic news that her husband has passed awayCredit: Alamy
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She paid tribute to him with a lengthy statementCredit: Instagram
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The star revealed that she was with him when he died Credit: Rex
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Susanna Reid was quick to express her condolences todayCredit: Rex
Derek, 56, was recently left fighting for his life in hospital after suffering a massive heart attack.
It is understood he died in a north London hospital on Wednesday.
Kate’s followers and friends rushed to support her.
Her Good Morning Britain co-star Susanna Reid commented: “All our hearts go out to you all.”
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TalkTV and Sun columnist Piers Morgan also paid heartfelt tribute.
He wrote: “RIP Derek Draper. A brilliantly smart and funny man who battled his covid health hell with such bravery and resilience, helped every step of the way by his magnificent wife Kate Garraway whose loyal, loving and selfless dedication was truly stunning. Heartbreaking news.”
Ben Shephard also shared a message of support, saying: “On @kategarraway’s saddest days I was reminded of the wonderful times and memories we all shared together.
“This is how I will always think of Derek – he brings you so much joy, your smile says it all, the magnitude of which can only be matched by his love for you, Darcey and Bill. Sending all our love Kate to you and all the family.
“Also thanks to everyone who has reached out to me, I promise to pass on your messages, I know Kate will bring as much comfort as she has for the last few years.”
Charlotte Hawkins also said she was “desperately sorry” to hear the news.
She added: “Kate, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. So much love to you all.”
She then asked others to send “love and prayers” to Kate.
Alongside a photo of Kate and Derek, Charlotte posted on Instagram and wrote: “Such desperately sad news about Derek.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult time for the whole family and Kate has been so strong through it all – please send her your love and prayers so she knows we’re all here for her.”
A statement to Good Morning Britain read: “We send all our love to Kate Garraway following the heartbreaking news that her husband, Derek Draper, has died.”
This Morning shared the news with viewers shortly after Kate’s announcement.
Alison Hammond said: “We have some real news. Derek Draper, husband of our very own Kate Garraway, has sadly passed away.”
Dermot read Kate’s statement before Alison added: “We just want to say that all of us here at This Morning send our love to you Kate and of course [Kate and Derek’s children] Darcy and Billy.”
Lorraine Kelly commented on the news: “I’m so sorry Kate. You’ve fought so hard. So incredibly sad. Sending you love.”
She added in another tribute: “THIS is so sad. Our friend @kategarraway was so strong and brave. Thoughts with her, her children and family. She was there for him until the end and made him proud. An amazing woman.”
The Loose Women also discussed the news today.
“It’s really, really sad, they’re the loveliest family,” Linda Robson said.
Sue Cleaver added: “I think we all have to follow Kate on this terrible journey on these incredible documents she made, in the darkest of times and she was able to highlight the roles of carers today.
– My heart is with them.
Elton John, who has been a huge supporter of Kate, commented: “So sorry to hear this news Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x”
Derek attended Rocket Man’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road gig at London’s O2 Arena in April after being invited along with Garraway as guests of honour.
Carol Vorderman wrote: “Oh no Kate. I’m very very sorry. My deepest condolences to you and your beautiful family.”
Tamzin Outhwaite commented: “Oh Kate, I’m so sorry. Sending you all so much love and strength.”
Lisa Snowdon added: “Kate. Sending you all so much love and strength during this heartbreaking time. So cruel and so sad. RIP Derek.”
Victoria Derbyshire shared: “Kate, I am so very sorry for you and your beautiful children. As a family unit, the four of you were huge. Sending you all so much love and strength.”
Simon Thomas shared his thoughts after losing a spouse himself.
He wrote: “Kate, I am so sorry to read this. Such a huge loss for you and the kids. You have been an amazing rock for Derek through such an incredibly difficult time. Sending lots of love to you and the family x “
Kaye Adams commented: “In every way you have shown the power of love . I’m so sorry x”
And showrunner Richard Arnold said: “Always by your side.”
Kate revealed in a touching Instagram post today that she was holding Derek’s hand as he passed away.
She wrote: “I am saddened to tell you all that my dear husband Derek has passed away.
“As some of you may know, he was critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December, which, due to the damage caused by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his last days and I was by his side holding his hand during the last long hours and when he passed away.
“I have a lot more to say and of course I will in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest in peace now Derek my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Derek suffered catastrophic health problems after contracting the virus at the start of the 2020 pandemic.
After contracting the virus, he was put into an induced coma and put on a ventilator.
Derek later became America’s longest-serving Covid patient after spending 13 months in hospital.
Since being discharged in 2021, Derek has been readmitted to the hospital on numerous occasions.
He was diagnosed with “life-threatening” sepsis and a kidney infection, which Kate later described as “dramatic but under control”.
He was recently rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack on December 11.
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate canceled all TV and radio work as she kept vigil by his bedside 24 hours a day.
The presenter reportedly spent Christmas in hospital with the couple’s two children Darcey (17) and Billy (14).
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Kate with her GMB family – many of whom paid their respects Credit: Rex
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Kate has been taking care of Derek since he got sick with Covid
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