Television November 04, 2010
'Bachelorette' Contestant Found Dead
Julien Hug, 35, who competed for the heart of Jillian Harris on season 5 of "The Bachelorette," was found dead off a Southern California highway on Wednesday.
Hug's father, Bertrand Hug, told KGTV San Diego that his son was on his way to Palm Desert on Monday to help manage his family's newest restaurant -- and that he hadn't heard from him since.
Former Bachelorette star Jillian Harris said in a statement, "I am completely heartbroken for the Hug family, and my whole heart goes out to them today as they mourn a precious life that ended far too soon. It's very difficult to find the words to express my condolences, but I will always remember Julien's gentle demeanor and kind heart, which will be sadly missed."
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The cause of death is under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday.
UPDATE: Hug was found in Pinyon Pines, an area described by the Sheriff's Department as a spot "you would need to hike into," according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.