Konrad Bien-Stephen: Abbie Chatfield honours ex-boyfriend and TV star following his tragic death in Melbourne
‘I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them.’
Abbie Chatfield says while she hadn’t spoken to her ex-boyfriend Konrad Bien-Stephen “for years”, she was still “heartbroken” after learning of his sudden death.
On Thursday, news broke that Bien-Stephen, known for appearing on The Bachelorette, had unexpectedly died in Melbourne at the age of 35.
He dated Chatfield in 2021 before they broke up a year later.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Chatfield, who is now dating Adam Hyde also known by his music persona Keli Holiday, took to social media after Bien-Stephen’s death was confirmed saying she had known for a few days.
“Hi everyone,” she began her statement posted to Instagram.
“I have seen the news of Konrad’s death and I have known the news for a few days now. Thank you to the people reaching out to me to let me know or to send their support.”
Chatfield said she was still trying to navigate the “incredibly difficult and strange time” and was “devastated for Konrad, his friends and his family”.
“And I am heartbroken too. Though we haven’t spoken for years, this is still incredibly difficult,” she said.
“Please send love and support to Konrad’s friends, family and loved ones. He has many many people who love him and who he loves too. I am heartbroken for everyone in his life as I know how much he meant to them. And I’m sure to a lot of you who never even met him.
“Konrad was such a kind and sweet person to everyone. A very caring man who deserved to live a very very long life. I am so heartbroken that he doesn’t get to do that. And that his loved ones don’t get to experience that full long life with him.
“I know that Konrad would want people to share love and kindness and if you do anything today please check in on your mates, do an act of kindness, talk to a friend. Anything.
“Rest in peace Konrad.”
The chief executive of talent agency JRM Group, Rebecca Townsing, confirmed his death with “deep sadness”.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Konrad Bien-Stephen,” she said in a statement.
“We ask that you respect the privacy of their family during this incredibly difficult time. No further information will be shared at this stage. Our thoughts are with all who loved him.
“We ask that media and the public respect the privacy of his family, refrain from speculation, and treat his memory with dignity, not as a headline.
“He will be deeply missed.”
Bien-Stephen stepped away from reality TV in 2023. At the time he was dating singer Thelma Plum and had plans to enter the acting world after been accepting into NIDA.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
