Former Bachelorette contestant Julien Hug who disappeared from San Diego last week and was eventually found dead took his own life according to his parents.
Hug appeared on the 2009 Bachelorette airing where he battled for the love of Jillian Harris but was eliminated after 2 episodes, underneath his TV appearance Hug had been battling depression.
Julien disappeared on Monday and was found in some brush off a local interstate in San Bernadino National Forest. His suicide was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
People.com received the follow message on Friday from his parents Bertrand and Denise Hug:
“In his letter to us he stated that he was suffering from acute depression and he felt it was his only way out,” the statement read.
“While publicly outgoing he was an extremely private person who internalized everything.” The Hugs went on to state, “We feel it is necessary at this time to address the media as we are devastated by some of the comments that are coming out. Our son meant the world to us and this came as a complete shock. We are beyond devastated and completely distraught…What we saw was his thirst for life with fast cars, motorcycles and his love of skydiving. … What we see now is the immense amount of love that everyone has for him. Anyone close to Julien is receiving an extreme outpouring of concern via text, e-mail and messages. This is an honored tribute to what an amazing person he was and we thank everyone for their love, prayers and continued support.”
A public funeral will take place on Friday, Nov. 12. The Hug Family has asked well-wishers to send donations to:
Julien Hug Foundation
c/o of the The Village Community Presbyterian Church
6225 Paseo Delicias
Rancho Sante Fe, Calif., 92067.
