“No further information will be shared at this stage. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.”
Bien-Stephen was known for his appearances on The Bachelorette and The Challenge: Australia. He was also in a highly publicised relationship with media personality Abbie Chatfield.
The pair split amicably in August 2022 after less than a year together.
Konrad Bien-Stephen died on Monday. Photo / Konrad Bien-Stephen
A carpenter by trade, Bien-Stephen found fame as a reality television personality before enrolling at Melbourne’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2023 to pursue acting.
He first came to public attention on the 2021 season of The Bachelorette, where his pursuit of Brooke Blurton made him a viewer favourite until his elimination in the latter stages of the competition.
Chatfield, 30, said she was “devastated” by the loss.
“Hi everyone, I have seen the news of Konrad’s death, and I have known the news for a few days now,” she wrote in a lengthy statement.
“Thank you to the people reaching out to me to let me know or to send their support.
“Obviously this is an incredibly difficult and strange time for me, and I am devastated for Konrad, his friends and family. And I am heartbroken too.
Konrad Bien-Stephen found fame after appearing on The Bachelorette. Photo / Konrad Bien-Stephen
“Though we haven’t spoken for years, this is still incredibly difficult. Please send love and support to Konrad’s friends, family and loved ones. He has many, many people who love him and he loves too.
“I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them. And I’m sure a lot of you, who never even met him.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Konrad Bien-Stephen.”
Bien-Stephen’s co-star from The Challenge: Australia, Megan Marx, wrote a long tribute.
“Konrad has chosen to step off this wild, stubborn road before the rest of us were ready,” she wrote alongside a picture of the pair.
“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.
“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.”
Konrad Bien-Stephen put a post online six days before his death was announced. Photo / Konrad Bien-Stephen
Friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to The Bachelorette star.
“Kindest heart of gold, will be forever missed my guy,” one person said on Konrad’s last Instagram post.
“Such a beautiful soul whose energy lit up the room. Will miss you brother. Love you,” added another.
“Can’t believe this news, such a beautiful warm soul. May you be at peace now,” a third person said.
The Bachelor star Brittany Hockley also responded to the announcement, writing “Konrad” with a broken heart emoji.
