Jake Hall’s heartbreaking vow to daughter, 8, before tragic death at 35: ‘I’ve got you’

Friends, family and fans of the former The Only Way Is Essex star Jake Hall are mourning his loss after he tragically passed away at the age of 35 while on holiday in Mallorca last week. The ITV star, who went on to release his own menswear line, shared an eight-year-old daughter named River with his ex, model and Ladies of London: The New Reign star Misse Bequiri.

Jake shared a close relationship with his daughter, often taking to social media to document some of their sweetest moments together. Most recently, he shared photos featuring the eight-year-old from a trip to Palma with the caption “My world” three times.

Inside Jake and River’s bond

He would take River with him while he travelled all over the world, including to Miami in January. “This is my world, come near it, make sure you have the right intention,” the father-of-one wrote protectively, captioning a photo of himself and the youngster on a beach after sunset. 

Last August, the duo jetted off to New York for a “special” trip before travelling to the Hamptons, where River celebrated a special milestone – losing a tooth. “Most magical time with little legs. Update on tooth, it’s growing back,” Jake wrote alongside a photo of River with a beaming gappy smile.

Jake was never afraid of confronting the difficult times in his fatherhood journey. Reflecting on their trip to the United States last year, the late model wrote: DAD – what a word!! You see, it’s not been that of an easy journey – it’s sort of been quite tough at times – I can’t lie, but having you with him here, just me and you having our little moments we won’t forget for a lifetime – I was nervous about coming to America alone on our first trip, but it’s been [love heart emoji].”

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He also had the cutest nickname for his little girl. “Back with my little lemon kid – missed you in my arms. Time is precious soooo precious,” he penned in 2024.

Jake’s vow to his daughter

He also made a vow to his daughter on Father’s Day 2025. “I’d dive straight into the deep end for you every time,” he wrote. “This world is beautiful, but it hits hard, too. I just want you to feel all of it, but still know I’ve got you when the storms roll in.”

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Ultimately, it was Jake’s daughter that he said gave him purpose. He penned on social media in November 2024: “My best friend, my world, someone I’d do absolutely anything for… the reason I’m on this planet – the person who makes me wanna be and do better each that day [sic] – my daughter, happy birthday.”

River’s mother addresses Jake’s passing

Following his death, River’s mother took to Instagram with a moving tribute. “There was no way you were ever supposed to go. My heart is shattered, and so is our daughter’s,” Misse wrote. 

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“Together we created the most beautiful girl, the one you loved more than anything in this world, beyond words. Your love for her was so strong it almost scared me, because I knew you would go to the ends of the earth for her. She adored you – her favourite person, her daddy. You will be missed. I promise to keep River safe, loved, and wrapped in the kind of love you gave so effortlessly. You are at peace now.” 

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Jake and Misse met back in 2016 before welcoming their child together on 4 November 2017. The pair got engaged in May 2018 but split shortly after.