Former Bachelorette star and ex of Abbie Chatfield, Konrad Bien-Stephen, has died at the age of 35.
The reality star passed away on Monday in Melbourne, with his management confirming the sad news in a statement to nine.com.au.
Chatfield, 30, has since paid tribute to the late star, sharing a message with fans, saying she was “devastated” and “heartbroken” over the news.
Watch the videos above.
“Hi everyone, I have seen the news of Konrad’s death, and I have known the news for a few days now,” she wrote in a lengthy statement.
“Thank you to the people reaching out to me to let me know or to send their support.
“Obviously this is an incredibly difficult and strange time for me, and I am devastated for Konrad, his friends and family. And I am heartbroken too.
READ MORE: Jim Carrey’s ex Jenny McCarthy reacts to viral ‘clone’ theories
READ MORE: A-list couple’s son ‘splits head open’ on family holiday
READ MORE: Outraged parents vent after Barbie Dream Fest event turns sour
“Though we haven’t spoken for years, this is still incredibly difficult. Please send love and support to Konrad’s friends, family and loved ones. He has many many people who love him and he loves too.
“I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them. And I’m sure a lot of you, who never even met him.
“Konrad was such a kind and sweet person to everyone. A very caring man who deserved to live a very very long life. I am so heartbroken that he doesn’t get to do that and that his loved ones don’t get to experience that full, long life with him.
“I know Konrad would want people to share love and kindness and if you do anything to do, please check in on your mates, do an act of kindness, talk to a friend. Anything. Rest in peace Konrad.”
His management confirmed the sad news of his death in a statement to nine.com.au.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Konrad Bien-Stephen,” read the statement.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of their family during this incredibly difficult time. No further information will be shared at this stage. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.
“We ask that media and the public respect the privacy of his family, refrain from speculation, and treat his memory with dignity, not as a headline.
“He will be deeply missed.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Bien-Stephen rose to fame on the 2021 season of The Bachelorette featuring Brooke Blurton.
He later started dating Bachelor alum Abbie Chatfield from late 2021 to August 2022.
He most recently dated Aussie musician Thelma Plum, 31. They went Instagram official in early 2023 but are believed to have split later that year.
After rising to fame on TV, he worked as a tradesman in recent years.
He also posted regularly about his French bulldog, Mis, who Bien-Stephen even created an Instagram account for.
Fans and followers flooded his latest Instagram post, sharing tributes to the media personality upon hearing the news.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
“Konrad 💔❤️,” Bachelor alum Brittany Hockley commented.
Model Tegan Martin also commented a series of love heart emojis underneath.
Influencer Scott O’Halloran added: “You warmed my soul every time I saw you and even thought about you.”
“The kindest soul, you will be missed Konrad,” another said.
“Absolutely gutted mate. One of a kind you were. Still can’t believe it. 😢,” one follower commented.
His last Instagram post showed him beaming to the camera while posing for a selfie on a work site.
“Back On The Tewls Darling! Carlton kitchen renovation loading…,” he wrote.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
