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Eric Hill Death: Bachelorette Producers, Chris Harrison Speak Out on Contestant’s Tragic Passing

Chris Harrison and Bachelorette contestant Eric Hill

Bachelor producers and longtime host Chris Harrison released statements Wednesday, April 23, regarding the tragic death of Bachelorette contestant Eric Hill.

Related: PHOTOS: Reality TV tragedies -- the saddest, most shocking deaths

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of our friend, Eric Hill," producers for the smash ABC series said Wednesday afternoon. "Eric inspired us every day with his passion, his courage and his adventurous spirit, and for that we are very thankful."

The statement concluded, "On behalf of our cast, crew and producers, we send our love, our thoughts and our prayers to Eric’s family during this difficult time."

Related: PHOTOS: Stars we've recently lost

Hill passed away early Wednesday morning after being severely injured in a Utah paragliding accident on Sunday, April 20.

His sister, Karen Tracy, announced the loss of her brother via Facebook: "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," she wrote. "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."

Related: PHOTOS: Stars gone too soon

The adventurer, 30, was cast as one of Andi Dorfman's potential suitors on the new season of ABC's reality show. As reported, Hill hit it off with Dorfman and was the recipient of the first one-on-one date with the Bachelorette. Before his appearance on the show, Hill had been on a quest to travel around the world in 1,200 days, had been documenting his journey on his website, GO With Eric.

Harrison spoke about Hill during an appearance on The View Wednesday and expressed that they "loved having him around." Later that afternoon, the longtime host — who works closely with suitors on each season of the show — tweeted: "On behalf of all of us at The Bachelor our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Eric Hill. He will be missed."

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