Reality star Kelsey Bateman has reportedly died at the age of 39.
The former Rock of Love star appeared on the third and final season of Poison frontman Bret Michaels’ reality dating competition in 2009.
As reported by TMZ, a family source confirmed that she died “unexpectedly,” but it has not been revealed how or when she died.
Bateman was just 21 years old when she became one of 23 women who competed on the Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels to win his affections on the tour bus.
Although she made it to the final nine, she was eliminated in the seventh episode after being “wasted” along with her fellow contestants.
“I ended up lying on the speedo, bawling my eyes out, but you know what? I’m here and I’m ready for whatever Brett has to tell me,” Kelsey said on the confessional show at the time.
“But I thought, hey, I can’t be the only girl who got drunk and got put on a speed bump. Let’s be honest.”
Rock star Michael, now 62, gently suggested to Bateman that life on the road wasn’t right until he was sure they had the right atmosphere to find a connection.
“At one point I looked over during the concert and you weren’t there anymore,” he said. “And at one point you were lying on the speedo, talking, saying you couldn’t handle it anymore.”
“I think tonight, the fact that you need to be someone you’re not, the fact that you need to drink so much of it?
“I think you’re a stunning and beautiful girl, and I said that sometimes I have to make decisions for people, and my decision for you is that I’m going to let your tour end here.”
In response, Bateman insisted that a rock star couldn’t handle a girl who liked to get drunk and sleep on speed bumps.
She added: “I’m going home and I’m going to be lonely so I don’t think about guys for a while, but the next guy I think will definitely not be 44 and probably not a rock star.”
It is claimed, despite stepping back from the spotlight, she remained in touch with her former co-stars from the show.
Fans have been left stunned by the news of her death at such a young age.
“OMG can’t believe this,” wrote one fan, as another said: “May she rest in peace.”
A third person added: “God bless those who cared for him and the pain that comes from this loss.”
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