Clint Arlis, Former Bachelorette Suitor, Dead at 34

Bachelor Nation is in mourning.

We learned this week that Clint Arlis, a Bachelorette alum who competed on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season of the hit reality show, has passed away.

He was 34 years old.

The architectural engineer's shockiing death was announced Thursday on Twitter by his high school wrestling coach Scott Bayer of Batavia, Illinois... who shared some memories of Arlis and his time on the team, touching on his professional wrestling career in the process.

"It is with a heavy heart and a sense of profound loss that we announce the death of one of the Batavia Wrestling Program's All-Time greats, 2005 graduate, Clint Arlis," Bayer wrote.

"Clint was the beloved son of Coach Tom Arlis and his wife, Jamie, protective, loving older brother of his sister, Taylor, and the boyhood idol and best friend of his kid brother, Coach Logan Arlis."

Bayer went on to list Clint’s numerous accomplishments over the years, from his wrestling wins to his desire to mentor the youth.

Clint Arlis Picture

“I have come to know Clint over the years since I joined Tom’s coaching staff and Batavia Wrestling Family in the late fall of 2005, after his graduation.

"I have found him to be extraordinarily devoted to his family and deeply committed to the sport [of] wrestling at a level few of us ever reach in our careers.

"While pursuing his career in architecture, he’s always made a priority of coming back to our (his) wrestling room and generously giving back to our kids.

"He was a talented artist with a sharp wit, a sardonic sense of humor and palpable authenticity.”

Clint Arlis tribute

Clint Arlis competed for for Bristowe’s affection on season 11 of The Bachelorette, which aired in 2015.

He and JJ Lane sparked some controversy with their friendship at the time and were labeled as villains; Arlis was eliminated during week three.

The IIlinois native apologized during the Men Tell All special, claiming that his and Lane’s evil gag was “tongue [in] cheek.”

He also clarified during the reunion that he was a “straight man” after the program portrayed his relationship with his fellow contestant as a burgeoning romance.

Clint Arlis and kaitlyn

Nick Viall, who also competed this same season, paid tribute to the Bachelor Nation alum on Thursday, tweeting:

"Just heard about the passing of Clint Arlis. I got a chance to get know Clint a little after our time on Kaitlyn's season and I always enjoy our time and conversations. 

"A very kind, unique, and talented person who was taken from this world far too soon.  RIP Clint."

laughing on bachelorette

In the years since season 11 aired, Clint kept a low profile and seemingly deleted his social media accounts.

Bayer, meanwhile, concluded his Twitter thread with a message to Clint’s family:

“His legacies as a fierce competitor, tireless worker, a caring influence to younger Batavia wrestlers, a devoted friend and a loving son and brother will resonate far beyond his days in our presence.

"On behalf of all of us in the Batavia Wrestling Family, we send our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Arlis Family during this period [of] unimaginable heartbreak and grief.

"To the Arlis Family, we loved Clint. We love you.”

No cause of death has been announced at this time.

We send our condolences to the loved ones of Clint Arlis.

May he rest in peace.