The Bachelorette’s Andi Dorfman was “devastated” by Eric Hill’s death

The Bachelorette community suffered a huge loss this spring when Eric Hill, an eliminated contestant from Andi Dorfman’s season died during a paragliding accident. Tonight’s The Bachelorette season premiere will feature a tribute to Eric, and his scenes will be aired as the show unfolds. The Bachelorette herself, Andi Dorfmann is speaking out about how Eric’s death has affected her.

The 26-year-old Atlanta District Attorney told People her reaction was”Shock, devastation, grief.It’s something you never could have predicted (or) expected.”

“He was a member of our cast and we had an inherent bond. The (other contestants) shared that bond, too,” she continued. “It was shocking and devastating to all of us, and it’s still a tough thing that we’re going through. I will always remember Eric’s love for life. People say, ‘Oh he lived life to the fullest.’ But Eric really was the epitome of someone who lived life to the fullest. This man had amazing stories and great experiences. His sense of adventure inspired not only me, but every guy in the house, every producer, every crew member. Everybody says they want to do stuff in their life but he was really doing it.”

Eric’s death was only the second Bachelor or Bachelorette contestant death to date. Last year former Bachelor contestant Gia Allemand committed suicide.