BachelorNation’s Luke Stone is remembering fellow contestant and close friend Tyler Gwozdz in the wake of hisunexpected death.
Hours after news broke that Gwozdz, who appeared onHannah Brown‘s season, had died, Stone remembered his season 15Bachelorettecastmate in a touching tribute.
“I lost one of my closest friends today,” Stone, who also appeared on season 6 ofBachelor in Paradise, began histweet.
“Tyler I’ll miss you every day, miss our hours long conversations about nonsense over the phone, miss how damn funny you were,” he continued.
Stone concluded: “I had so much happiness and joy for what the future held for us as friends. I love you man, so much.”
ABC (2)
On Thursday, PEOPLE confirmed that Gwozdz died following asuspected overdose.
His body is with the Palm Beach Medical Examiner’s Office, a spokesperson for the office confirmed to PEOPLE. According to the spokesperson, an autopsy will take a minimum of eight to 12 weeks to complete.
Online records list his date of death as Jan. 22. He was 29.
Tyler Gwozdz and Hannah Brown.John Fleenor/ABC
TMZwas the first to report the news.
Earlier on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Boca Raton Police Services Department told PEOPLE that they “responded to a medical overdose” involving Gwozdz on Jan. 13, adding that “the case is an active ongoing investigation.”
According to TMZ, paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He reportedly remained hospitalized for a week and was listed in critical but stable condition. As of Tuesday, he was no longer a current patient in their system, TMZ reported.
His family has not responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
Ed Herrera/ABC
Gwozdz secured the first one-on-one date with Brown onThe Bachelorette, though he abruptly left during thethird episode. No reason was given to explain his departure, with Brown simply telling the rest of the contestants that he “had to leave.” Gwozdz toldRefinery29in a statement at the time, “This was a decision that I came to with producers, and something that I’ve come to realize what is the best decision that could’ve been made.”
He added that the reason his actual exit wasn’t aired was to respect his privacy.
In a statement on Thursday, producers ofThe Bacheloraddressed Gwozdz’s death.
“We are heartbroken to hear the tragic news of Tyler’s passing today. Our thoughts are with the Gwozdz family and his friends,” theysaid.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact the SAMHSA substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
