“The Bachelorette” star Konrad Bien-Stephen dies at 35

Konrad Bien-Stephen, an Australian reality star who was the third runner-up on Brooke Blurton’s season of The Bachelorette Australia, has died. He was 35.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Konrad Bien-Stephen,” his team said in a statement obtained by Variety Australia. “We ask that you respect the privacy of their family during this incredibly difficult time. No further information will be shared at this stage. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”

Bien-Stephen first rose to national fame as a contestant on 2021’s season of The Bachelorette Australia, during which he became a fan favorite, despite Brooke ultimately choosing Darvid Garayeli. He then went on to compete on The Challenge Australia the following year.

Fellow reality stars and fans of Bien-Stephen shared love for him in the comments of his most recent Instagram post, shared on March 26, a selfie giving followers some insight into the kitchen renovation he was working on.

“You warmed my soul every time I saw you and even thought of you,” The Amazing Race Australia star Scott “Sassy” O’Halloran wrote.

MasterChef Australia star Khanh Ong added, “Beautiful boy, you were one of the kindest people and you made me smile every time I saw you, you will be missed.”

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.

Bien-Stephen’s ex and fellow reality star, Abbie Chatfield, shared a tribute to her ex on her Instagram Story Thursday. “Obviously, this is an incredibly difficult and strange time for me, and I am devastated for Konrad, his friends and his family. And I am heartbroken too,” she wrote of her late ex. “Though we haven’t spoken for years, this is still incredibly difficult. Please send love and support to Konrad’s friends, family and loved ones. He has many many people who love him and who he loves too.”

“I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them,” Chatfield continued. “And I’m sure to a lot of you, who never even met him. Konrad was such a kind and sweet person to everyone. A very caring man who deserved to live a very very long life. I am so heartbroken that he doesn’t get to do that. And that his loved ones don’t get to experience that full, long life with him.”

Chatfield concluded her note, writing, “I know that Konrad would want people to share love and kindness and if you do anything today, please check in on your mates, do an act of kindness, talk to a friend. Anything. Rest in peace Konrad.”

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly