Josh SeiterPhoto: Photo by Craig Sjodin (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Josh Seiter, the former Bachelorette contestant, has died. According to an Instagram post his family shared on Seiter’s account, the reality TV star died on Monday, August 28, at the age of 36.
Jesse Palmer on Vomiting, Karaoke, and the Stress of Hosting a Reality Show
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the tragic news of Joshua’s unexpected death,” the statement said. “All who knew him can attest that Joshua was an incredibly bright light in an increasingly gloomy world. His fearless voice and indomitable spirit have helped thousands of people feel a little less alone in their darkest moments.”
Seiter’s family did not disclose the cause of death but included a statement for “anyone experiencing a mental health crisis,” encouraging her to write: “988 SMS Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support to those in need. ”
He regularly posted about his mental health problems on Instagram. In 2021, he reported being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attempting suicide. “By the time I was 21 I was completely catatonic and committed to psychiatry,” he wrote. “When I was 22, I tried to take my own life. At the age of 23 I underwent electroshock therapy. Later that year, I used all my strength and applied to law school. At 25, I graduated from law school at the top of my class. At 30, I became one of the most followed online mental health advocates and one of the top creators [OnlyFans]. At almost 36 years old, life is almost perfect. Never give up. Your story is not yet written. Each chapter leads to a more perfect ending. I promise.”
Seiter appeared in the 11th season of “The Bachelorette” in 2015. He recently came out as bisexual and appeared in Out magazine. “I believe my upbringing in the domestic Christian niche that we grew up in stayed with me, both consciously and unconsciously, for many years after I left home to go to college,” he said in June to instinct. “As a young teenager, I always knew I was sexually different, but I just don’t think I had the vocabulary to express the difference.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please text “HELP” to Crisis SMS Hotline 741741 to be connected with an advisor.