HOLLYWOOD—Michael Nance, 31, a former “The Bachelorette” contestant that appeared on Emily Maynard’s season in 2012, died of an overdose while living in a sober living house on Monday, May 29.
Officers were called to the home around 2:10 a.m. where Nance was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead before 3 a.m., according to an Austin Police Department. “At this point it is not a suspicious death and the manner will be determined by the medical examiner,” stated a spokesperson from the APD.
Nance was a contestant on the eighth season of “The Bachelorette” in 2012 during Emily Maynard’s season but was eliminated fourth from the competition. During his time on the show he opened up about being addicted to pain killers.
“I was addicted to prescription pain medicine. It all starts out fun and then somewhere along the road, it just turned into something else. It’s a vicious cycle and it ate away at me for a long time,” Nance said.
Former alums of the “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” showed their love and support for Nance after learning about his death.
Emily Maynard tweeted “So sad waking up to the news about Michael Nance. Such a kind heart with so much talent. Sending prayers and love to his family and friends,” tweeted Emily Maynard.
Sean Lowe, who was also a contestant on Emily Maynard’s season, tweeted “My heart breaks to hear about the passing of my friend Michael Nance. He was a sweet man with a kind soul. We all loved him on Bachelorette.”
An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, May 30.
