'Bachelorette' Contestant Eric Hill Dies

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Eric Hill, a Bachelorette contestant in the upcoming season featuring Andi Dorfman, has died after a paragliding accident Sunday, his sister Karen Tracy confirmed on her Facebook.

"Eric shared his final journey with us this morning as all his immediate family were able to be at his side when he passed away," she wrote Wednesday. "Thank you to all of your love and support and prayers and fasting. It was amazing to be with so many of his friends and family yesterday in the hospital who came to express their love for Eric."

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Hill, 30, was in a medically induced coma and in critical condition after part of his parachute collapsed when he was paragliding in Utah Sunday, April 20.

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of our friend, Eric Hill. Eric inspired us every day with his passion, his courage and his adventurous spirit, and for that we are very thankful," Bachelorette producers said in a statement. "On behalf of our cast, crew and producers, we send our love, our thoughts and our prayers to Eric’s family during this difficult time.”

According to Reality Steve, Hill was no longer part of the hit ABC show at the time of the accident -- he had reportedly already been eliminated. Though UsWeekly reports that Hill was actually chosen for the coveted first one-on-one date with Dorfman.

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"He gave us such a gift of a life fully lived and fully shared, and allowed us all to be a part of his last adventure here on earth. It is hard to think of life without his bright spark, but we know he is on to new adventures," Tracy added. "We look forward to carrying on his legacy here and greeting him joyfully again someday. I love you so much, little brother!"

ABC host Chris Harrison also tweeted:


Do you think they should still air Hill's part in the show?