Amaya ‘Papaya’ Espinal Recalls Death of Her Ex-Boyfriend Before Joining ‘Love Island’

Amaya “Papaya” Espinal is opening up about a tragic loss she experienced before joining Love Island USA.

“This is the first time I am ever sharing this story publicly. It happened out of nowhere, and that was the first time I have ever experienced such a tragic loss very suddenly,” Amaya, 26, told Popsugar in an interview published Monday, November 17. “It showed me that tomorrow is never guaranteed, and that made me feel so unsure — not only about myself, but about life.”

According to the reality star, an ex-boyfriend (who she chose not to identify) died unexpectedly in 2024. The death taught Amaya to find meaning in even the most painful moments.

“At the end of the day, it made me who I am now,” she explained in Popsugar’s first-ever “Feel Good” issue. “I’m tired of acting like it didn’t happen.”

Every day, Amaya says she tries to “wake up and say it’s going to be a beautiful day.” Her ex-boyfriend’s death is also why she tries to focus on gratitude and life’s funny moments.

“That’s really a major reason I am the positive light that I am,” she said. “Because I understand and I appreciate the price of life; I know how it could be taken away suddenly.”

Amaya – who was a cardiac nurse before joining reality TV — made quite the positive impression on fans and viewers when she appeared on season 7 of Love Island USA this past summer.

During her experience in the villa, she made a connection with Bryan Arenales. The pair later made it to the finals and scored the most amount of fan votes.

As a result of winning season 7, the pair took home the $100,000 grand prize.

Less than a month after leaving the villa, Amaya and Bryan, 27, announced they were ending their romantic relationship.

“Bryan and I are no longer together,” Amaya wrote in an August 27 statement shared via her Instagram Stories. “After leaving the villa, it became very clear that we were on two different journeys. Our visions didn’t align and relationships are supposed to be a team sport. You don’t have to drink the whole sea to know it’s salty. … All love here.”

In a separate post, Bryan wrote, “Unfortunately, we were not on the same page, and that is OK. We both gained clarity that we are on different paths right now. I am thankful for the time we have spent together, and I wish her nothing but the best moving forward.”

Despite the breakup, both Amaya and Bryan are expected to appear in Love Island: Beyond the Villa season 2.

Set to premiere in 2026, the Peacock reality show will follow Love Island USA season 7 Islanders as they return to their homes after a life-altering summer in Fiji. Cameras will roll as new couples and hopeful singles navigate their newfound fame.

Iris Kendall and TJ Palma as well as Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway are just some of the Islanders also expected to participate in the show.