The Bachelorette star Konrad Bien-Stephen has died at the age of 35.
The reality TV personality passed away on Monday, March 31, in Melbourne, according to The Daily Mail.
His management confirmed the sad news of his death to the publication on Thursday, April 2.
They have declined to comment further, citing it as a private matter.
Tributes have been flocking in for Konrad on social media, with his loved ones sharing heartfelt messages in the comments section of his most recent Instagram post.
I’m A Celebrity, and MAFS star Cyrell Paule commented, “RIP.”
Brittany Hockley wrote, “Konrad”, alongside two broken heart emojis.
The Amazing Race‘s Luke O’Halloran said, “Love ya mate x.”
One user penned, “Sweet soul, you will be missed!!! Blessed to have met you.”
“Can’t believe this news, such a beautiful, warm soul. May you be at peace now,” another added.
Abbie Chatfield, who dated Konrad for 10 months, also took to her Instagram Stories to share her “heartbreak” following the news.
“Hi everyone, I have seen the news of Konrad’s death, and I have known the news for a few days now,” she wrote.
“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 his family. And I am heartbroken too.”
“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 who he loves too.
“I am heartbroken for everyone in his life, as I know how much he meant to them. And I’m sure to 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 that Konrad would want people to share love and kindness, and if you do anything today, please check in on your mates, do an act of kindness, talk to a friend. Anything. Rest in peace, Konrad.”
Megan Marx, who was Konrad’s co-star on The Challenge, also shared an emotional tribute to the reality TV star.
“Konrad has chosen to step off this wild, stubborn road before the rest of us were ready,” she wrote alongside a carousel of photographs of them together.
“He was a good friend. And f*** was he was funny! Witty. Made me laugh in that deep, unexpected way that catches in your chest and makes the whole day feel lighter.”
“I keep thinking about the things he still had lined up – that wandering horse trek somewhere wide and dusty, the fiddle under his chin (😅), motorcycle trips, the quiet courage of getting his art out into the world.
“Trying to make the world a little better. Homey. All the pieces of a life still calling to him.”
“I hope wherever you’ve gone, Konnie, it’s open country and good tunes. I hope there’s time to finish what you started.”
“Miss you already x I love you.”
Konrad first rose to fame on The Bachelorette in 2021, becoming a fan favourite as he vied for the affections of Brooke Blurton.
He was ultimately sent home in the penultimate week because he and Brook had different plans for their futures.
Shortly after his appearance on the reality TV show, Konrad started dating Abbie Chatfield.
They had a highly-publicised open relationship and dated for around 10 months before they went their separate ways.
At the time, Abbie said nothing “bad” or “dramatic” had happened between them as she confirmed their relationship had ended.
They broke up just weeks before he appeared on The Challenge Australia, where he shared a kiss with his co-star, Megan, but they later confirmed they were “just friends”, and their close bond lasted long after the show ended.
Konrad went on to spark romance rumours with singer Thelma Plum when they were spotted at an event together in December 2022, but he later confirmed they weren’t dating.
“Thelma and I, we’re friends, and she is a beautiful person,” he told the Herald Sun at the time.
If you or someone you know needs support:
📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
💬 Text: 0477 13 11 14
🌐 lifeline.org.au
