Bachelor Nation is in mourning today.
Michael Nance, a contestant on Emily Maynard’s season of the popular ABC reality franchise, has shockingly passed away.
He was just 31 years old.
Nance competed for Maynard’s affection on Season 8 of The Bachelorette; Michael made it to the fourth week of the summer.
A spokesperson for the Austin Police Department Homicide Unit in Texas confirmed the reality star’s passing earlier to E! News.
“At this point it is not a suspicious death and the manner will be determined by the medical examiner,” the spokesperson said.
Officers in the Texas capital city were dispatched at 2:10 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 29 in reference an unresponsive male.
Upon their arrival, officers located the aforementioned person, later identified as Nance. He was pronounced deceased at 2:54 a.m.
Additional details are scarce at this time.
Within hours of the sad news breaking, fellow Bachelor and Bachelorette cast members took to social media to mourn one of their own.
The franchise and those who star on it really have become like a family in recent years, and they acted accordingly in this tragic case.
Chris Bukwoski, a memorable face whose first appearance was during that same season, posted the following tribute on Twitter:
“Extremely difficult learning the news of Michael Nance’s passing. He was a gentle man with a huge heart. He’ll be missed but not forgotten.”
Arie Luyendyk Jr., the runner-up during that memorable season, penned a touching message to his followers about the loss of Nance.
“I will always remember my friend Michael Nance for his kind and fragile soul. Addiction is a terrible disease, may he finally find peace.”
Sean Lowe, who starred on that season and went on to become The Bachelor, also weighed in on the difficult news of Nance’s death.
“My heart breaks to hear about the passing of my friend Michael Nance. He was a sweet man with a kind soul,” said Lowe.
“Everybody loved him on The Bachelorette,” added Sean.
“My fondest memories of Michael were when he would sing and play guitar in the Bachelor house,” another co-star, Tony Pieper, added.
“You could tell that was his happy and joyous place. He had such a big heart and was such a genuine guy. We lost a good one in Michael.”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP, buddy.”
While the show is marked by competition and feuds among the cast, it seems Nance was universally popular, even beloved.
Fellow cast member Kalon McMahon also commented, saying, “He was one of the nicest, most genuine guys in the house.”
“We kept in touch after the show and I’m just really sad. His music was amazing. He was amazing. He was a gentle giant.”
Maynard, who got engaged to Jef Holm but is now married to Tyler Johnson, has yet to take to Twitter to address the news.
So sad, and unexplained. We’ll have more information on how this beloved figure lost his life when it becomes available.
Our condolences go out to Michael’s family and friends.
