Josh Seiter, best known for starring on The Bachelorette, has died at the age of 36, his family has confirmed.
They shared a statement on Monday, telling his fans: "It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the tragic news of Joshua's unexpected passing.
"As all who knew him can attest, Joshua was an incredibly bright light in an increasingly dim world.
"His fearless voice and indomitable spirit helped thousands of people in their darkest moments feel just a little less alone. Although our heartache at Joshua's passing pains us beyond measure, we find comfort knowing that he is finally at peace."
Although they did not reveal Seiter's cause of death, his family did include details of a mental health helpline in their post, and the reality star has been open about his struggles in the past.
Just days before his passing, Seiter had shared a selfie of him smiling as he told his followers: "Surviving depression and anxiety one day at a time with a smile."
His family also revealed that they would leave his Instagram public for a while, adding: "We hope and pray that his spirit can continue to live on in the pictures and words on this page, which we will leave up for the time being.
"While we do that, we would kindly ask for privacy as we grieve. For anybody who is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs help, the 988 SMS Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources."
Seiter appeared on Kaitlyn Bristowe's season of The Bachelorette in 2015 but was eliminated in the first week alongside five other men.
It was the 11th season of the hit reality show which featured two Bachelorettes during its opening episode for the first time. In his introductory clip, Seiter was described as a law student and an exotic dancer.
He has since gained a following of over 457,000 on Instagram and has often posted about his own struggles with mental health in order to help his followers.
In one of his posts, Seiter is seen looking out of a window deep in thought while drinking his morning coffee, as he told his fans: "I’m Josh Seiter, and I’m a suicide attempt survivor.
"I battle OCD, Bipolar Depression, and GAD, but I refuse to give up. What did you survive?"
Seiter had recently opened up about his sexuality in an interview with TV Shows Ace earlier in the year, revealing that he identifies as pansexual and had been in a relationship with a man.
He said at the time: "I don’t like labels and I don’t like being put into tiny boxes or categories. I would say I identify as Pansexual. I love everybody equally regardless of gender.
"And I can exclusively reveal to TV Shows Ace that I am seeing a guy now and things are going really well. I’ve had a lot of disastrous relationships with women lately and I am excited to finally be in a healthy relationship."
Several RuPaul's Drag Race stars paid tribute to Seiter, with Monica Beverly Hillz sharing a photo of her kissing him on the cheek as she added: "RIP my honey."
Monique Heart wrote: "Praying for you , sorry for your loss," and Brooke Lynn Hytes added: "Wrapping you in so much love," while Ongina wrote: "I’m so sorry babes. Sending you so much love."
Our thoughts are with Seiter's family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
