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‘Extreme Weight Loss’ Contestant Rod Durham Dies at 52

Extreme Weight Loss contestant Rod Durham was found dead at the age of 52 over the weekend, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

The Leon High School drama teacher was discovered by housekeepers in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, motel. He was visiting the area during the school’s spring break week off. He reportedly passed away of diabetic shock.

Rod Durham on 'Extreme Weight Loss'
Rod Durham with trainer Chris Powell on ‘Extreme Weight Loss’ ABC/Rick Rowell

Durham appeared on season 4 of ABC’s reality series Extreme Weight Loss in 2014, where he lost 180 pounds. Trainer Heidi Powell paid tribute to the reality star via Instagram on Monday.

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“Heaven just got a lot brighter today when Rod entered the pearly gates. While I am selfishly so sad and completely devastated that I won’t get to see him on earth anymore, I am rejoicing for the spirit he is carrying with him and spreading to everyone up there…including my dad,” Powell captioned a post.

Heaven just got a lot brighter today when Rod entered the pearly gates. While I am selfishly so sad and completely devastated that I won’t get to see him on earth anymore, I am rejoicing for the spirit he is carrying with him and spreading to everyone up there…including my dad. Rod, you will be missed terribly. Everything from your kindness, to your warm smile and bear hugs, to your friendship, to you extraordinary ability to make ANYONE (including me) feel special. YOU are special. And will never be forgotten. Love you BIG, and can’t wait to be welcomed into heaven someday with that one-of-a-kind infectious laugh of yours. Thanks for changing MY world, @roddurham. Now go do you up there, buddy!!!! ??❤️

A post shared by Heidi Powell (@realheidipowell) on

“Rod, you will be missed terribly. Everything from your kindness, to your warm smile and bear hugs, to your friendship, to you extraordinary ability to make ANYONE (including me) feel special. YOU are special. And will never be forgotten,” she continued. “Love you BIG, and can’t wait to be welcomed into heaven someday with that one-of-a-kind infectious laugh of yours. Thanks for changing MY world, @roddurham. Now go do you up there, buddy!!!!”

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Fellow trainer and Heidi’s husband, Chris Powell, also wrote about Durham’s bubbly personality. “Your positive energy and contagious laugh brightened this world and everyone lucky enough to meet you. You had an ability to make everyone feel special and loved. You changed your own life and in the process, you motivated and inspired millions of others. You have forever made a positive difference in this world,” he captioned an Instagram photo of the two. “We love you and miss you Rod. There are some lucky angels up there because they can enjoy your awesomeness now. We’ll see you again, brother. PS I’m sure heaven has a pretty sweet gym and all the weight you can lift.”

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Durham was also an actor and director in his Tallahassee community theater group. He codirected Agnes of God and starred in plays such as Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and The Piano Lesson.

I’m 52 today (February 6th) …Behold Bitches (sorry! I’m happy to still be alive!)

A post shared by Rod Durham (@roddurham) on

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Durham, who shared many pics from the gym, last posted on Instagram on his 52nd birthday. “I’m 52 today (February 6th),” he captioned a shirtless photo at the time. “Behold Bitches (sorry! I’m happy to still be alive!).”

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