Yazmin Oukhellou has broken her silence on social media following the car crash that killed her boyfriend Jake McLean and left her injured.
Taking to social media on Tuesday (16 August) evening, Yaz thanked followers for all of their support.
She wrote: "I have been taking some time away from social media to fully focus on my mental and physical recovery. I needed this time away to work on healing and processing everything as best as I can.
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"This has taught me that life is so short and we must cherish our loved ones as much as possible.
"I am so grateful for our memories and the special time that Jake and I shared. I’ve not stopped thinking about him and I’ll miss him always. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
"I want to thank everyone for their support and lovely messages. I truly appreciate each and every single one of you."
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The post came after Jake's funeral on Tuesday, which Yaz did not attend. According to claims made by The Sun, the former TOWIE star was 'banned' from the funeral by Jake's family.
The car crash occurred in Bodrum, Turkey, when the pair had been returning from a night out.
Speaking in the weeks after the incident, Yaz explained she had to break her own arm to free herself from the vehicle, which fell 70 foot from a cliff.
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“They said I might not ever get full movement of my arm ever again," Yazmin told The Sun.
“I am just hoping for the best and do you know what? I could have been like Jake and not survived, so I am just very grateful that if that is the worst case scenario I will deal with it as best I can. At least I am still alive."
Yazmin also spoke about speculation that the couple had been arguing.
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“There are stories that we were arguing. It’s like, ‘How can you say that?' There were two people in the car. Unfortunately my partner did not make it, so the only person that people can listen to now is me because I was the only other person there," she said.
“I just don’t want people to think we were arguing. We may not have had the picture perfect relationship, but those last moments we had with each other will be the moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"They were the best moments we ever had.”
Lucy Devine