Already have an account?
Get back to the

Kiptyn Locke: Bachelorette Contestant Julien Hug Was a “Thrill Seeker”

1288900975_jillian hug 290

Julien Hug — who was found dead off a highway in the Southern California desert Wednesday — didn't last long on season 5 of The Bachelorette (he was eliminated after two weeks).

But he still made quite an impact.

"I will always remember Julien’s gentle demeanor and kind heart, which will be sadly missed," Bachelorette Jillian Harris tells UsMagazine.com.

Related: PHOTOS: Before they were on The Bachelor

On the season 5 opener, Hug, who was 35, described himself as an adventurer.

"The sense of freedom that comes from skydiving is a big thrill," he said.

Kiptyn Locke — who knew Hug before The Bachelorette — tells RadarOnline Hug definitely was "a thrill seeker. He was a sky diver, he did tons of jumps … Everyone who knew him loved him. He is a guy who really enjoyed life."

Related: PHOTOS: Bachelors - a look back

Before his death, Hug was living near Palm Springs and running his parents' new restaurant, Augusta Modern, Radar reports

Contestant David Good tells Us he remembers Hug as "the first to offer to cook food in the house."

Related: PHOTOS: Bachelors - where are they now

Hug also was "the one to offer up one of his 'funny' jokes that were entirely too long but hilarious nonetheless," recalls Good. "He will truly be missed."

Host Chris Harrison Tweeted that he also was "very sorry to hear we lost one of our own today. I know Julien was very well liked."

Locke says Hug's death is a wakeup call to him and his friends.

"A reminder to appreciate every day & tell those around u they are loved," he Tweeted. "Today I'm celebrating life."

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!