‘Bachelorette’ Star Kaitlyn Bristowe Responds To Clint Arlis’ Death: 'An Absolute Tragedy'

In 2015, "The Bachelorette" contestant Clint Arlis competed to win the heart of Kaitlyn Bristowe during the show's 11th season.

Even though the pair did not part on good terms, Bristowe is responding to Clint Arlis and his sudden passing earlier this week.

Clint was only 34 years old when he passed away. He worked as an architect in Chicago.

Clint’s sister, Taylor Lulek, announced his passing with a brief statement on Facebook.

Along with a childhood photo, she wrote, “It is with great sadness, to tell you that my family has lost my best friend and older brother Clint on the morning of January 11th.”

“Please respect our family’s privacy as we try to cope with this great loss,” she continued. “Details on the service will follow. Thank You.”

At this time, the cause of death is still unknown.

On Thursday night, Bristowe reflected the news to her Instagram followers during an Instagram Story.

“Alright, this is an Instagram Story I did not think I’d be doing tonight, but Clint, who was on my season of ‘The Bachelorette,’ I’m gonna say tragically… he tragically passed at 34 years old,” Bristowe began.

“I’m not sure what happened, how it happened,” she added.

“All I want to say is from knowing him on the show, even though, you know, things didn’t end on the best terms for us, from his time on the show to today, I have heard nothing but incredible things about that person.”

“From his peers, his students, his coaches, his teachers, his friends, his family,” she continued. “Clint was very well respected in his world, and it is an absolute tragedy of what’s happened.”

“This Instagram Story is literally to just say to anyone who knows him who might follow me that I am so sorry,” she concluded. “It’s such a huge loss, and I’m honestly just beside myself with this news.”

Bristowe ended up getting engaged to Shawn Booth at the end of the season, although they broke up three years later. She is currently engaged to Jason Tartick, who appeared on “The Bachelorette” in 2018 when he was passed over by Becca Kufrin.

Another contestant, Nick Viall, who also competed during the show’s 11th season, responded to the news as well. He tweeted: "Just heard about the passing of Clint Arlis. I got a chance to get [to] 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."

Clint’s old wrestling coach took to Twitter to share his condolences as well.

“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 (pictured left),” he began.

“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.”

“I have come to know Clint over the years since I joined Tom's coaching staff and the 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 wrestling at a level few of us have ever reach in our careers.”

“While attending the University of Illinois, he spent the majority of his college years as the workout partner to 2x Big-Ten Champion, 3x All-American and current U of I Head Wrestling Coach, Michael Poeta,” he continued.

“During his senior year, Clint gritted his way into the starting lineup at 157 lbs, notched a respectable 14-7 record and placed 7th in the Big-Ten Tournament. 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 an talented artist with a sharp wit, a sardonic sense of humor and palpable authenticity. The heartfelt speech he dedicated to his dad at his retirement celebration made me proud to know both of them.”

“Clint was among the very first kids to come through what became the Batavia Pinners/The Batavia Wrestling Club when Tom, Brian Drendel and others started it back in the 90s. Many other Batavia Wrestlers have followed in his footsteps.”

“Clint is currently 2nd in Batavia Wrestling Career victories (147) and #1 in Career Takedowns (437). He earned 41 wins in his senior campaign, was a 3x Conference Champion and a 3x IHSA State Qualifier,” he added.

“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 unimaginable heartbreak and grief,” he concluded. “To the Arlis Family, we loved Clint. We love you.”