Josh Seiter's fans have shared their heartbreak after seeing his final Instagram post before his death at the age of 36.
The former reality star, who is best known for his appearance on The Bachelorette, was confirmed to have died this week.
His family shared the news on social media on Monday, telling his followers: "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."
They added: "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."
Just days prior to his death, Seiter - who often spoke about his mental health online - shared his poignant final Instagram post.
He'd shared a sweet selfie of him smiling, as he told his followers: "Surviving depression and anxiety one day at a time with a smile."
Comments had been turned off on the post, as well as the statement regarding his death.
Seiter had often spoken about his mental health, telling his followers in July: "I battle feelings of worthlessness on a daily basis.
"Some of my biggest insecurities revolve around gaining the approval of others. You see, at heart I am a people pleaser. I am constantly trying to win the approval of others. I’m not quite sure why I am this way. Maybe it’s because of how I grew up. Maybe it’s because I was homeschooled and didn’t have many friends. Or maybe it’s some other reason entirely.
"The “Why?” doesn’t matter so much as the “How?” How are we going to stop conditioning our self-worth on the acceptance of others?
"The answer to that question only came after I was open and honest with the world about my mental health struggles. It does get better."
Seiter had appeared on the 11th season of The Bachelorette in 2015, the first to include two Bachelorettes during the opening episode, but was eliminated in the first week alongside five other men.
In his introductory clip, Seiter was described as a law student and an exotic dancer at the time.
The reality star had also come out as pansexual earlier in the year, revealing in an interview with TV Shows Ace that he 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."
Our thoughts remain with Seiter's family, friends, and loved ones 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
