Former The Bachelor Contestant Lex McAllister Dead at 31 After Apparent Suicide Attempt

She was eliminated during the first week of Jake Pavelka's season in 2010

By Samantha Schnurr Feb 16, 2016 8:44 PMTags
Lex McAllister, Alexa McAllister, The BachelorABC

Lex McAllister, a contestant on The Bachelor's 14th season, died today after an apparent suicide attempt, E! News has confirmed. She was 31. 

According to a report from Columbus, Ohio police, they received a 911 call Saturday afternoon from someone saying McAllister had overdosed on prescription medication.

The unidentified caller said McAllister had texted them to say she wanted to end her life, according to the report. When the unidentified person went to check on McAllister at her home, they found her with empty prescription bottles. Once police arrived on the scene, McAllister was in stable condition, but had taken "a lot" of pills. She was rushed to Grant Medical Center while still in stable condition.

Her health later began to deteriorate and her family ultimately took her off life support. She died early Tuesday.

McAllister was eliminated on the first episode of The Bachelor's 14th season, subtitled On The Wings of Love in reference to Bachelor Jake Pavelka's day job as a pilot. She was 25 years old at the time. 

Since elimination, the Ohio native worked for a financial planning and wealth management company. Just a week ago, she shared happy birthday wishes in dedication to "her longest running bestie" on her Instagram account. 

Despite her brief appearance on the show, fellow cast mates remember McAllister fondly. 

"I am honestly in shock that another beautiful soul would take their life," the season's runner-up Tenley Molzahn shared exclusively with E! News. "She was only on our first episode but she seemed like such a vibrant soul. This is just shocking news no matter how well you know someone."

"I would like to express my sincere condolences," the season's winner Vienna Girardi also told E! News exclusively. "My heart goes out to Lex's family during this difficult time. I remember her being such a positive young lady who could light up any room." 

Sadly, this is the second time tragedy has struck this particular season of The Bachelor long after the cameras stopped rolling. In August 2013, third runner-up Gia Allemand, who later appeared on Bachelor Pad, died two days after being rushed to the hospital after trying to hang herself. She was 29.

TMZ was first to report McAllister's passing.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.