EXCLUSIVE: Former 'Bachelor' Matt Grant Reacts to 'Massively' Shocking Death of Contestant Erin Storm
Matt Grant was "massively shocked" to learn of former Bachelor contestant Erin Storm's death.
Storm, who competed for the British suitor's heart during season 12 of the ABC reality series in 2008, reportedly died in a plane crash in Los Angeles on Monday.
"Massively shocked. Devastated for her family and friends," Grant exclusively told ET. "We were lucky to have Erin on season 12. She was genuine, self-assured, beautiful and hilarious."
NEWS: Former 'Bachelor' Contestant Erin Storm Reportedly Dies in Plane Crash
Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed to ET that a small plane went down near the Hawthorne Municipal Airport and was "engulfed in flames," with a female pilot being transported to "a local trauma with life-saving procedures being performed." Hawthorne Police Department later confirmed the victim did not survive.
"Somehow you knew from the first minute of being with her that Erin could pretty much go and do anything," Grant recalled. "On my season her occupation was listed as Hot Dog Vendor...which surprised me a little bit. From talking to her, it soon became clear she was a smart, entrepreneurial cookie."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones," he concluded.
WATCH: Former 'Bachelor' Sean Lowe Addresses Former Contestants' Suicides: 'We Have an Epidemic'
Holly Julian, one of Storm's fellow contestants on her season of The Bachelor, opened up about her former co-star's death to ET.
"Erin had a vibrant soul and anyone who knew her knows that," Julian said. I know all her friends and family are devastated by her loss as are her Bachelor family. I am grateful to have met her in this lifetime and I am so sorry to her family and friends that are grieving her loss. Rest in peace Erin. Continue being that beautiful soul on the other side."
The Bachelor family also released a statement on Storm's death, telling ET, “Once a member of the Bachelor family, always a member of the Bachelor family. It is a tragedy that Erin is no longer with us, and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends.”
In other Bachelor news, meet your next Bachelorette,Joelle 'JoJo' Fletcher. Find out about the "last-minute" decision in the video below.