Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

By Anne Cohen April 23, 2014

Sad news: “Bachelorette” contestant Eric Hill has passed away after a serious paragliding accident.

The 32-year-old was a contestant on the upcoming season, vying for Jewish bachelorette Andi Dorfman’s affections. The accident did not happen on the show, sources confirmed to E!News. Hill had already gotten eliminated from the series, which will premiere on May 19.

“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,” his sister Karen Tracy, wrote on Facebook. “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. 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. We look forward to carrying on his legacy here and greeting him joyfully again someday. I love you so much, little brother!”

According to E!News, Dorfman is on hometown dates with her remaining suitors, and cut off from the outside world. She has not yet been told.

ABC has not yet announced Hill as an official contestant, so it’s still unclear how the tragic incident will impact the upcoming premiere.

Photo courtesy of GO with Eric.

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT