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Yazmin Oukhellou has posted on social media for the first time since her boyfriend Jake McLean’s death after she was absent from his funeral.
The TOWIE star, 28, paid tribute to her late partner in a heartfelt Instagram post as she reflected on taking time away to heal ‘mentally and physically’.
The post comes following reports that Yazmin was ‘banned’ from Jake’s funeral, which took place on Tuesday, amid tensions with his family.
Jake’s mother Anita Walsh told Turkish authorities she believed could have played a role in her son’s death.
Tribute: Yazmin Oukhellou has posted on social media for the first time since her boyfriend Jake McLean’s death after she was absent from his funeral
Emotional: The TOWIE star, 28, paid tribute to her late partner in a heartfelt Instagram post as she reflected on taking time away to heal ‘mentally and physically’
A source told the Sun: ‘Yaz feared she would not be able to attend Jake’s funeral and her worst nightmare came true when it was made clear she would not be welcome.
‘She has been left traumatised after the crash and to now not be allowed to say goodbye has been awful for her. Yaz insists there was no argument and that Jake and she were happy.’
The source added: ‘Yaz will pay her own tribute to Jake privately.’
The couple were in a car which plunged 70ft off a cliff in Bodrum Turkey on Sunday July 3, killing Jake and leaving her badly injured.
After missing the funeral, which was attended by his ex Lauren Goodger, Yazmin remembered Jake and thanked fans for their support.
Remembering Jake: Yazmin Oukhellou has posted on social media for the first time since her boyfriend Jake McLean’s death after she was absent from his funeral
Concerns: The post comes following reports that Yazmin was worried she would not be welcome at his funeral, which took place on Tuesday
Yazmin 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.
‘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.
Sad day: Jake McLean’s ex-girlfriend Lauren Goodger was among the mourners alongside former co-star James Argent as they attended Jake’s funeral on Tuesday after he died last month in a car accident in Turkey
‘I want to thank everyone for their support and lovely messages. I truly appreciate each and every single one of you. Love Yaz.’
Yazmin was supported by her friends and TOWIE co-stars in the comments section of the post.
Demi Sims, said: ‘Wish I could give you a cuddle, love you Yazmin.’
Ella Rae Wise, wrote: ‘Love you.’
Love Island star Molly Mae Hague, said: ‘I’m so sorry Yazmin. Truly thinking of you.’
Harry Derbidge, said: ‘Love you lots Yaz, you are so strong and everyone loves you. Always here for you, forever xx’
Support: Yazmin was supported by her friends and TOWIE co-stars in the comments section of the post
Jake was laid to rest at St Thomas of Canterbury church in Essex in a supercar-themed funeral.
Former TOWIE star Lauren – who dated Jake for four years up until 2020 – watched the funeral procession, which was led by the hearse decorated with a floral arrangement in the shape of a Lamborghini emblem.
The funeral was escorted by supercars and expensive luxury vehicles, while Jake’s family and friends covered the cars in a Lamborghini floral arrangement and large ‘Jakey’ ‘Cuzzy’ and ‘Son’ designs in white flowers.
Tragic loss: Lauren took to Instagram to share pictures of the funeral program and revealed she had decorated a bouquet of flowers with sweet throwback images of the pair
A large photo of a smiling Jake was placed in the back of the hearse.
A visibly emotional Lauren, who dated Jake from 2012 to 2016, dressed in white for the service. The black eye she received in an alleged assault on the day of her baby daughter’s funeral earlier this month was clearly visible.
TOWIE stars James ‘Arg’ Argent and Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell were also among the guests, who were all asked to wear either black or white.
Yazmin previously told how she’s ‘scarred for life’ following the horror car crash.
The reality star suffered serious injuries to her arm with doctors telling Yazmin it’s a ‘miracle’ she’s still alive.
Sad: TOWIE’s Sam Mucklow, (left) led the tributes to good friend Jake on the day of his funeral on Tuesday after his close friend lost his life in horror crash in Turkey on July 3
Breaking her silence following her arrival back home, Yazmin admitted: ‘This will live with me forever’ as she processed what happened.
Amid her recovery, Yazmin is staying clear of ‘social settings’ and will not be logging on to social media, while she’s also changed her phone number.
The reality star has been keeping out of the spotlight following the fatal crash but has been seen sporting a cast on her arm during rare outings.
In addition to therapy, Yazmin may also need plastic surgery as she’s been left with permanent scarring, with UK doctors warning she may never have the full use of her right arm.
Shocking: Jake died after crashing his car off a road near the party resort of Bodrum, in Turkey
At the time of the crash Yazmin didn’t realise she had opened an artery but revealed she was covered in blood as she lay upside down in the car.
Yazmin said she convinced herself that Jake was still alive as she ran to the top of the bank they has rolled down and screamed for help.
Luckily, a man walking his dog found her instantly and rushed down to the car to help, but sadly it was already too late as Yazmin said she couldn’t feel Jake’s pulse.
Yazmin said the grief and shock have left her needing therapy and she hasn’t left her mother Lisa’s side since the accident.
The reality star also confirmed that the couple were currently off, but she flew out to Turkey in the hope they could reconcile and recalled how the trip made things ‘perfect’ between them.
Injury: Yazmin reportedly fears being banned from the funeral over tensions with his family