SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — A former "The Bachelorette" contestant was found dead in South Austin early Tuesday, according to a celebrity gossip website.

TMZ reported that Michael Nance was pronounced dead just before 3 a.m. after police responded to reports of an unresponsive man along the 300 block of West Mary Street. The man was later identified as Nance, 31, who was a contestant on the eighth season of the reality show.

Nance was among other men trying to win the heart of Emily Maynard, the bachelorette at the time of the show. She took to Twitter to confirm news of his death. "So sad waking up to the news about Michael Nance," Maynard wrote. "Such a kind heart with so much talent. Sending prayers and love to his family and friends."

So sad waking up to the news about Michael Nance. Such a kind heart with so much talent. Sending prayers and love to his family and friends.

— Emily MaynardJohnson (@EmilyMaynard) May 30, 2017

The man's surviving girlfriend, Aseel Danan also confirmed Nance's death via Instagram. "RIP my sweet Michael," Danan wrote. "You will forever be connected to my heart and soul. I love you always."

Nance's death is still under police investigation.



'The Bachelorette' Contestant Michael Nance Dead at 31 https://t.co/rIK9JZf1OH

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 30, 2017

>>> Image via Shutterstock

