Former “Extreme Weight Loss” Contestant Rod Durham Found Dead Inside Hotel Room

Some terribly sad news to report today. If you are a fan of the ABC reality show “Extreme Weight Loss,” then there is a good chance you remember a contestant by the name of Rod Durham.

He inspired millions of people back in 2014 when he lost over 175 pounds during his time on the show. And not only did he inspire people with his weight loss, he also gave people strength by coming out to his father. It was a truly emotional moment.

Durham told Tallahassee Magazine the following…

Coming out to my father at 49 was huge. My father was a military man, and I thought it would cause him pain and disappointment but it really was just me, afraid of rejection.

But his father didn’t reject him, and Durham realized his parents will love him forever and always. It was an experience that changed his life, and he told reporters that losing the weight was nice, but the true transformation “was in my head and in my heart.”

Sadly, Durham died this past weekend at a hotel in Florida. He was just 52-years-old. His body was found by housekeepers. It’s still early in the investigation, but the most likely cause of death is diabetic shock, according to most of the reports.

And while it does look like he gained some of the weight back after leaving the show, he continued to hit the gym and appeared to be gaining more muscle than fat. His death is a shock to his friends and family. He was reportedly in Fort Lauderdale enjoying spring break.

Both Heidi and Chris Powell went on their social media accounts to talk about how much they will miss Rod and his bright smile.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.