Julien Hug

A former suitor of Canadian Bachelorette star Jillian Harris has died.

The body of Julien Hug — who vied for Alberta native Harris's heart on Season 5 of ABC reality TV series The Bachelorette — was found off a highway in the Southern California desert.

The 35-year-old San Diego native was en route to Palm Desert on Monday when he went missing. The deputy of Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the body of a deceased male adult had been found on Wednesday, and a Hug family member later confirmed to U.S. station KGTV that the body was indeed that of the former Bachelorette contestant.

"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," Harris, who was raised in Peace River, Alta., said in a statement. "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."

Brawny brunette Hug, a self-described adventurer, earned a rose during his first week on The Bachelorette, but Harris eliminated him on Week 2.