Tuesday, June 3, 2014

A Final Farewell to Eric Hill of The Bachelorette

Andi Dorfman and Eric Hill on The Bachelorette


As many fans know, this week we said goodbye to the Bachelorette's Eric Hill on the show, knowing it was also a final goodbye - that we wouldn't see him at the reunion, or any other Bachelor-related programs ever again. This April, Eric tragically died in a paragliding accident, passing at the age of 31.

It's a weird feeling. We didn't know him personally but I think a lot of us instantly connected to him because we were aware that by the time we watched him on TV, he was already gone. 

Personally, he was among my favorite contestants. But I can't help but wonder, had I not known he had was already dead, would I be so intrigued? He was obviously a very attractive guy and his global adventures were so exciting to hear about, but would he have been at the top of my list? I'd like to think so; however, the situation is so unique and the way we met Eric at the beginning of the season with the death disclosure, it's hard to tell.

Eric Hill of The Bachelorette

I'm probably also not alone in wondering if things might have resulted differently had he stayed longer. I thought he was right in speaking up to Andi. It's the same type of conversation (but milder) than what she had with Juan Pablo last season, right? I don't think he was trying to be disrespectful, just honest, and the conversation went south. But you also can't blame Andi, it's not like her decision to have him leave resulted in the tragedy. Eric was OK leaving from what we saw.

Ultimately, from what I understand, Eric Hill was a good man doing good things all over the world. It's tragic that he passed so early in his life. The positive to come out of this situation is the inspiration his story has provided. #LiveLikeEric is a hashtag circulating that celebrates his life and the spirit of living every day with purpose.

So while it feels a bit strange or intrusive having lived some of Eric's last weeks with him, we can thank him for providing us with some real life lessons in the juxtaposition of reality TV that generally lacks, well reality.

#livelikeeric

9 comments:

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

I haven't watched this season since I'm not a fan of Andi but I did hear his story. What a tragic loss especially from someone who gave back and made people happier. We need more people like him.

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

I was on the verge of tears last night, I can't believe how deeply saddened I am by the loss of someone I never knew. Such an amazing person taken so soon.

And I agree, he was just being honest and was saying his peace before he exited the show. She overreacted and got defensive, but had she had the chance to ever speak to him again I'm sure they would have made up and laughed it off.

Lauren said...

I kinda think I would have picked him. I think he opened up a lot...I mean, he shared his fears when he was in Syria. Not only was he extremely good looking, he was obviously very smart.

And I mean...everything he said was pretty spot-on...

Katie said...

I absolutely without a doubt would have picked him if I were Andi! I have followed Eric before he was on the bachelorette due to a friend and just loved the person he was!! It was very sad to watch him on this season but also cool to "see" him one last time and his personality. I think she was nuts for overreacting the way she did!

Johanna said...

It's been so long since i've watched. I know if I watch one episode I'll be hooked again!

Claire Kiefer said...

I think Andi made her self look like a cray beyotch by overreacting and being all drama queen in response to him. He was totally right--there is some "acting" involved in the show--and he obviously didn't mean it in an offensive way! She's a bit ego-centric and clearly can't handle what she perceives as criticism. Ugh.

So so sad that he died. :(

Claire Kiefer said...

I think Andi made her self look like a cray beyotch by overreacting and being all drama queen in response to him. He was totally right--there is some "acting" involved in the show--and he obviously didn't mean it in an offensive way! She's a bit ego-centric and clearly can't handle what she perceives as criticism. Ugh.

So so sad that he died. :(

Shaunacey Bonneville said...

I've pvr'd a few episodes but haven't had a chance to watch.
I did hear about Eric's accident and passing and it's so sad :(

C said...

I don't watch, but this is a great post! He was HOT!