On January 22, former Bachelorette contestant Tyler Gwozdz died after being hospitalized following a suspected drug overdose, People confirmed Thursday. He was 29.
The reality star, who worked for the beverage company Spiked Seltzer, appeared on season 15 of The Bachelorette, starring Hannah Brown. Weeks in, Gwozdz left the show abruptly and under mysterious circumstances, following rumors about his behavior posted to Reddit. At the time, Gwozdz told Refinery29 these were “baseless accusations” but that he and producers decided it was best for him to exit the show.
Now, Bachelor Nation is speaking out following the news of Gwozdz’s death. In a statement posted to Bachelor Nation’s official website, producers of the series wrote:
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“We are heartbroken to hear the tragic news of Tyler’s passing today. Our thoughts are with the Gwozdz family and his friends.”
Contestants on Gwozdz’s season also expressed their condolences.
"My heart goes out to his family in this time,” Jed Wyatt, the winner of season 15, told Us Weekly. “Tyler was nothing but nice to me and a joy to be around.”
On his Instagram Story, Garrett Powell wrote over a photo of Gwozdz from the show:
"Such sad news. Prayers for his family and friends. He was a good friend and showed me and the other dudes nothing but respect. RIP Tyler."
In a statement to Refinery29, Powell wrote:
"Tyler was a great friend to not only me but everyone in the house. His humor kept everyone calm in stressful scenarios, and he treated all of us with the upmost respect. We are all heartbroken to hear of his passing — he will be missed."
Daron Blaylock, who shared a room with Gwozdz during their time on the show, told Us Weekly Gwozdz was “a good dude and the best bunk mate I had on the show.”
“[I] won’t forget waking up, looking down on the bottom bunk, hyped when he survived the solo date with Hannah,” Blaylock added. “He will be missed and all of my prayers go to his family."
Grant Eckel told Us Weekly that Gwozdz showed the rest of the contestants “nothing but respect” and was “a good friend to us all.”
In a statement to Refinery29, Luke Parker wrote:
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"I had the privilege to get to know Tyler Gwozdz on the Bachelorette. He was a man with good intentions, he wanted to make a positive impact on the world. We had the chance to relate to each other and encourage each other on and off the show. I’m in shock from this whole thing. I hate it for his family and will continue to pray for them. It’s tough in times like this to think positive, but I believe God will bring good from all of this. It’s hard to take in."
He added:
"This is what Tyler said after receiving some backlash on social media: 'The Internet is an amazing tool and can be used to create all sorts of good in the world, but I think it’s important that we address the reality of the situation. Anybody can say anything they want about anybody they want. Period, I am more than happy to take the slings and arrows of the internet world if it can help save one young person from experiencing what my family and I are currently battling. If you are lost, message me. I’m here for you. Reach out. There is love in this world.' Speak love and be kind, it could make a bigger impact than you know."
This is a developing story.