Konrad Bien-Stephens, former star of The Bachelorette Australia, has died aged 35.
The Melbourne carpenter, who found a national audience on dating show, is being remembered as “funny”, “witty” and deeply loved by those who knew him.
He remained in the public eye after the show, including through his relationship with radio host and former Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield.
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Chatfield shared a statement following news of his death, calling this an “incredibly difficult” and “strange” time.
“I am devastated for Konrad, his friends, and his family. And I am heartbroken too. Though we haven’t spoken for years, this is still incredibly difficult,” she said in a post to Instagram.
“Please send love and support to Konrad’s friends, family and loved ones. He has many many people who love him and who he loves too. I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them. And I’m sure to a lot of you, who never even met him.
“Konrad was such a kind and sweet person to everyone. A very caring man who deserved to live a very very long life. I am so heartbroken that he doesn’t get to do that. And that his loved ones don’t get to experience that full, long life with him,” she said.
Chatfield encouraged people to “share love and kindness” in the wake of the news and reminding them to “check in on your mates”.
“Rest in peace Konrad,” she concluded.
Bien-Stephens appeared on Brooke Blurton’s season of The Bachelorette Australia in 2021.
He later appeared on Network 10’s The Challenge Australia, where he formed close friendships, including with Megan Marx.
Marx shared an emotional message reflecting on their friendship on Instagram.
“Konrad has chosen to step off this wild, stubborn road before the rest of us were ready,” Marx wrote.
“He was a good friend. And f*** was he funny! Witty. Made me laugh in that deep, unexpected way that catches in your chest and makes the whole day feel lighter.”
She spoke of the life he was still building, and the plans she said remain unfinished.
“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. Trying to make the world a little better. Homey. All the pieces of a life still calling to him.”
“I hope wherever you’ve gone Konnie, it’s open country and good tunes. I hope there’s time to finish what you started.
“Miss you already x I love you.”
Bien-Stephens was most recently romantically linked to singer Thelma Plum, with the pair pictured together, including on a trip to Europe in late 2023.
Bien-Stephens’ cause of death has not been confirmed.
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