Bachelorette Contestant Josh Seiter Dead at 36

Seiter previously shared that his battles with anxiety and depression exacerbated in the years following his 2013 law school graduation.

“The next seven years were incredibly trying, but they set me on a path towards bringing worldwide awareness to an issue bigger than myself, and I wouldn’t trade those years for the world,” he wrote in a March 2020 Instagram post. “I am glad the universe put me here to share my story of hope and persistence with all of you.”

Those seven years saw Seiter appear on season 11 of the Bachelorette, where he was sent home week one. Since then, Seiter had transformed his career path to become an advocate for mental health and wellness.

In July 2021, he posted a statement detailing his experiences with suicidal ideation at age 21, reading, “I am suicide attempt survivor. #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone.”

“If you are struggling right now with your mental health I want you to know you aren’t alone, there is hope and there are resources, and it does get better,” he wrote. “Therapy isn’t a weakness. It requires an undeniable toughness. And it is so worth it.”

His last social media activity post prior to news of his death included him reposting celebratory posts of his coming out journey, as well as a smiling selfie on Aug. 24.

“Surviving depression and anxiety,” he wrote at the time, “one day at a time with a smile.”