Aussie reality star Konrad Bien-Stephens has sadly passed away at age 35, his management confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Konrad Bien-Stephen,” they said. “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.”
It’s understood he passed away on Monday night in Melbourne.
Konrad rose to fame as a fan favourite on Brooke Blurton’s season of The Bachelorette in 2021, where he finished in fourth place, and competed on The Challenge Australia the following year.
The carpenter famously dated fellow Bachelor alum and podcast host Abbie Chatfield from November 2021 to August 2022, and most recently was in a relationship with singer-songwriter Thelma Plum.
Konrad’s final Instagram post was shared six days ago and showed him smiling on a job site.
“Back On The Tewls Darling! Carlton kitchen renovation loading…” he wrote alongside the photo.
Tributes flow for Konrad
The post has since been flooded with tributes from his followers and famous co-stars, including Cyrell Paule, Brittany Hockley and Marley Biyendolo.
“Such a beautiful soul whose energy lit up the room. Will miss you brother,” one person commented, while another said, “Kindest heart of gold, will be forever missed my guy”.
Konrad’s Challenge co-star Megan Marx shared a touching tribute on Instagram, saying he made her 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,” she wrote. “Trying to make the world a little better. Homey. All the pieces of a life still calling to him.”
She continued: “I hope wherever you’ve gone Konnie, it’s open country and good tunes. I hope there’s time to finish what you started.”
Rest in peace, Konrad.
