Bachelor in Paradise star Jake Ellis has announced the death of his father, Brian.
Brian, who was believed to be in his seventies, died on Thursday night after several years of declining health.
He is survived by his sons, Jake and Luke.
Rest in peace: Bachelor in Paradise star Jake Ellis (left) has announced the death of his father, Brian (centre). They are pictured here with Jake’s brother, Luke (right)
Brian’s health worsened significantly after his wife, Robyn, died of breast cancer in January 2018.
He had undergone a double lung transplant several years ago, couldn’t drive due to his poor eyesight, and was living in a care facility.
Jake recently said his father was suffering from a ‘long list’ of health problems, including skin cancer and vascular dementia.
Tragedy: The former Bachelorette contestant announced his father’s passing on Instagram on Friday afternoon. Jake said he took solace in the fact that Brian ‘was no longer in any pain’
‘Life has been so cruel’: Georgia Love, who dated Jake on The Bachelorette and who lost her own mother to cancer several years ago, offered her condolences
‘I’m so sorry for your loss, brother’: Several other reality stars, including Jake’s Bachelor in Paradise season one co-star Jared Haibon, shared words of support
Decline: Jake recently said his father was suffering from a ‘long list’ of health problems, including skin cancer and vascular dementia
The former Bachelorette contestant, 34, announced his father’s death in an Instagram post on Friday afternoon.
‘At 8:15pm last night we sadly lost our amazing dad, Brian. Our hearts are broken yet again but are trying to take solace in that he is no longer fighting or in any pain,’ he wrote.
‘My brother Luke, myself and loved ones have been by his side during this devastating time, sharing memories of the beautiful man, father and husband that he was. He lived an amazing life, loved by so many.’
Poor health: Brian’s health declined significantly after his wife, Robyn (right), died of breast cancer in January 2018. Robyn is pictured with her son Jake in an undated photo
He added: ‘With all of our broken hearts we were so lucky to have him as our dad and role model. We know that right now he’s back with the love of his life, our mum, and they are both watching over their sons with smiles.
‘Thank you to everyone for all the love and support. It means so much to us both.’
Georgia Love, who dated Jake on The Bachelorette and who lost her own mother to cancer several years ago, offered her condolences.
She commented below the post: ‘Oh Jake, I’m so so sorry. Life has been so cruel to you boys and your beautiful parents.
‘I am only thankful he is with Robbie and the knowledge they will both be so happy and proud of you. Big love, I’m so sorry.’
Sad: Jake’s family tragedy comes two years after his mother, Robyn, died of breast cancer. She had fought the disease for 25 years, after first being diagnosed when Jake was six years old
Lee Elliott, who won Georgia’s heart on The Bachelorette but remained good friends with Jake afterwards, also shared kind words.
‘Oh mate, my sincerest condolences. He was a brave strong man and would be so proud of the man you’ve become,’ he wrote.
‘He’s with his love and your mother now. All my love and thoughts to you and Luke, brother.’
Jared Haibon, an American ‘intruder’ from season one of Bachelor in Paradise, added: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss brother. Thoughts are with you and your family.’
Jake’s Bachelor in Paradise season three co-star Cassandra Mamone also wrote: ‘This is heartbreaking. I’m so so sorry for your loss.
‘My prayers and thoughts are with you. Sending love and light to you. They are both shining down their love on you and Luke.’
Struggles: Robyn’s cancer battle was made public during Jake’s appearance on The Bachelorette in 2016. He later appeared on Bachelor in Paradise season one in 2018, before returning for season three this year
Jake’s family tragedy comes two years after his mother, Robyn, died of breast cancer.
She had fought the disease for 25 years, after first being diagnosed when Jake was just six years old.
At the time, Jake told Daily Mail Australia his mother was ‘the biggest fighter I’ve ever met’.
Robyn’s cancer battle was made public during her son’s appearance on The Bachelorette in 2016.
Jake later appeared on Bachelor in Paradise season one in 2018, before returning for season three this year.
He bowed out early this season, however, because he didn’t see a future with any of the women and wanted to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend Megan Marx.
Saying goodbye: Jake bowed out of Bachelor in Paradise early this season because he didn’t see a future with any of the women and wanted to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend Megan Marx
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