Tyler Gwozdz, former contestant on The Bachelorette, was found dead at only 29 years old due to a possible overdose. ET has confirmed via online records that his body is in the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office. His date of death is listed as January 22nd.
The news came to light after the Boca Raton Police Department told ET that they responded to a 911 call for a medical overdose involving Gwozdz. The department added that the case is still an active and ongoing investigation.
His Tenure.
According to TMZ, Gwozdz, known from Hannah Brown’s season of The Bachelorette, was taken to a hospital and admitted to the ICU. As it is expected, ET has reached out to Warner Bros. and ABC to get a comment from Brown; she has refused. During his time in the show, Gwozdz went on a date with Brown and received a rose. ET does report that Brown enjoyed said date and praised Gwozdz for being “calming and nurturing.”
Abruptly, He Left.
However, one week after their date, Gwozdz was dismissed and sent home with no information. Brown revealed on the show that it was “upsetting.” He was allegedly removed by production mainly because of online comments some found in an accusatory Reddit thread regarding his behavior. At the time, Gwozdz attempted to defend himself by denying the “totally unsubstantiated rumors,” even though he claimed he had no interest on giving them any attention and fuel. In that email to Refinery29, he wrote:
“I continue to have faith in my journey and in a purpose for everything that’s happened to me in my life. Above everything else, I am a son to my mother. She raised me to be better than these sort of baseless accusations. The rumors are so far out of the realm of my personality and values that it seems silly to waste time denying, but I suppose I will for the record. But I will be alright.”
Gwozdz argued that the decision to leave the show was one that came with the producers. He still believed it was the best decision they could have made. Said reason was not however displayed on TV for the sake of protecting his privacy.
Cause And Effect of The Past.
Some of the show’s contestants weighted in regarding his swift departure. Contestant Cam Ayala said he was surprised, with the producers only telling contestants that it was “in the best interest for Hannah and for Tyler for him to no longer be here.” While former Bachelor star Colton Underwood bluntly stated to ET: “I will say if there is a guy that was removed because of production, it was probably something that they didn’t want out there.” Now, I don’t mean to speak ill of the dead, but Underwood has a point. There are reports that claimed that Tyler Gwozdz was prone to abusive behavior. Unfortunately, substance abuse is a form of abusive behavior. So there is a chance that he was overall a danger to either himself, others, or both.
Back To The Present.
With the overdose being only speculation, one can only wait for the autopsy to be released, as the medical examiner told Fox News that said autopsy won’t be completed for some eight to twelve weeks. TMZ still claims that, based on the 911 call they obtained, Gwozdz overdosed on heroin in the bathroom of a home.
Despite the allegations against the former contestant, the producers of the franchise released their own statements, saying:
“Tyler Gwozdz, 29, former Bachelorette Season 15 contestant (Hannah Brown), has passed away. The eldest of five, Tyler was a loving son and friend to many. A successful entrepreneur, Gwozdz was planning on becoming a psychologist, working to obtain his PhD. Tyler had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life. We are heartbroken to hear the tragic news of Tyler’s passing today. Our thoughts are with the Gwozdz family and his friends.”
