Bachelorette Contestant Julien Hug Found Dead in California

Julien Hug, who had vied for the affection of Jillian Harris on the fifth season of The Bachelorette, has been found dead.

Hug, who worked in his family's restaurant business, had been reported missing on Monday. The former San Diego resident was managing a new restaurant the Hug's had opened in Palm Desert. His cell phone died while he was driving along Hwy 74 in Riverside County.

Hug's body was found Wednesday in an off-road vehicle area known as Pinyon Pines, which lies about 45 miles off Hwy 74.

Fellow Bachelorette contestants were quick to respond to the news with kind words for their fellow competitor.

Jillian Harris, who sent Hug home early on in her Bachelorette season, told TMZ: My whole heart goes out to (the Hug family) today as they mourn the loss of a precious life that ended far too soon. 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."

Kiptyn Locke, also a Bachelorette fifth season participant, told Radar Online: "I knew him before the season. He was one of the most positive selfless people I know."

Another Season 5 Bachelorette rival, David Good, who recently won the first Bachelor Pad, also spoke to Radar Online: "Julien was always the first to offer to cook food in the house and the one to offer up one of his 'funny' jokes that were entirely too long but hilarious nonetheless. He will truly be missed."

Locke provided this sage piece of advice: "We (referring to himself and girlfriend Tenley) were just saying how important it is to make sure you tell everyone in your life how much you love them and how much they mean to you."

Law enforcement hopes to determine the cause of death by Friday, November 5.

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