Josh Seiter, a contestant on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season of “The Bachelorette,” has died just days after sharing his depression and anxiety struggles on social media. He was 36.
“It’s with a particularly heavy heart that we share the tragic news of Joshua’s unexpected passing. As all who knew him can attest, Joshua was an incredibly vivid light in an increasingly dim world,” Seiter’s family wrote in a press release posted to his Instagram page Monday.
“His fearless voice and indomitable spirit helped 1000’s of individuals of their darkest moments feel just a little bit less alone. Although our heartache at Joshua’s passing pains us beyond measure, we discover comfort in knowing that he’s finally at peace.”
A reason for death was not revealed, but his family included the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline of their statement.
The Post has contacted reps for ABC’s “The Bachelorette” and Bristowe, 38, for comment.
Seiter, a 2013 graduate of the Chicago-Kent College of Law, openly discussed his mental health struggles.
“Surviving depression and anxiety sooner or later at a time with a smile,” he captioned a selfie on Thursday.
“I’m Josh Seiter, and I’m a suicide attempt survivor. I battle OCD, Bipolar Depression, and GAD, but I refuse to offer up. What did you survive?” the OnlyFans creator captioned one other picture, in 2021.
Seiter was sent home the primary night of Bristowe’s “Bachelorette” journey in 2015.
On that season, 25 suitors met Bristowe and Britt Nilsson and voted for the lady they desired to be the show’s lead.
Seiter, who became an exotic dancer to support himself in law school, greeted the women by taking off his shirt and arguing that his ego could be hurt if he didn’t move on to the subsequent round — a primary impression he later claimed was “fed” to him by producers.
Bristowe won the election — much to Seiter’s disappointment.
He later told the Chicago Tribune that he didn’t need to be on the show if Bristowe was picked because he wasn’t interested in her.
He admitted to being on the show not for love — a storyline that plays out almost every season of the franchise — but to advertise his profession as an exotic dancer.
“It was mostly about type of, like, exposure and getting my name on the market more,” Seiter told the outlet. “That whole finding a wife thing to me was type of a ridiculous idea.”
Seiter would go on up to now women from reality shows corresponding to “90 Day Fiancé” and “Love After Lockup.”
Earlier this 12 months, he got here out as pansexual and said he was dating a fellow exotic dancer named David.
In case you or someone you already know needs support now, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
