‘Biggest Loser’ Contestant Daniel Wright Dead at 30

Daniel Wright, who competed on Seasons 7 and 8 of “The Biggest Loser,” has died. He was 30.

Wright was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October 2017, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family. He underwent chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and surgery, but an update in December 2018 revealed that the leukemia had returned.

Wright confirmed the bad news on Facebook, writing in December, “Hey everyone! As you may have seen from my beautiful wife, Mom, sister, and family and friends we are dealing with relapse. I began to feel different symptoms last week and after some blood work and a bone marrow biopsy yesterday it's confirmed that my Leukemia has relapsed… I was not prepared for this and my heart is quick to be tempted towards anger and bitterness to get through (probably because it feels easier than tears). We will update more as we find out in the coming days. Thank you so much for the prayers and support, we were struggling before but this has a brought a level of hurt we were not ready for. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help, pray, and serve us. We are so humbled. Love y'all!”

Daniel and his wife Rebecca, whom he met on “The Biggest Loser,” continued to update fans via social media. Her last post, on May 24, detailed his latest procedure. She shared, “Yesterday, the Lord broke me down & today because of your prayers & my pleading our Lord has made me warrior strong!!”

After news broke of his passing, his “Biggest Loser” castmate Danny Cahill remembered Daniel on Facebook, writing, “Yesterday, the world lost a bit of its light."

He recalled how they met on the beach in Malibu at the beginning of Season 8, adding, "Daniel's light has always been one of Grace, encouragement, wisdom, love and honor throughout the time I have known him. And I can honestly say that because of him I am a better man.”

Cahill continued, “He showed me (by example - not by telling me) how to care for others in a different way, and I thank God for being able to know this man for the 10 years I have known him. We could all learn a lesson from him how important it is to leave a mark of love on those we meet, to lay down differences and to see similarities, and to serve those around us in any way we can."

Another “Biggest Loser” contestant, Courtney Crozier Respess, also remembered Wright on Facebook, writing, “I am so so heartbroken to hear about Daniel Wright this morning. He has fought SO HARD during his battle with cancer & more. This man is one of the kindest people I have ever met & is a true difference maker in this world! His faith has never faded, even in the darkest of times. I am honored to have known him!!!”

Wright joined “The Biggest Loser” in 2009 at just 19 years old. He weighed in at 454 lbs. and lost 253 lbs. over the course of two seasons.