Below deck, the Mediterranean star Malia White is mourning the death of her brother.
On Tuesday, the 33-year-old reality star announced on Instagram that her older brother Jay had passed away at the age of 34 after a “battle with addiction.”
“To all who knew our brother Jay, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the sad news of his passing,” the post began. “On Thursday, October 5, Jayseph (34) passed away in the middle of the night after a battle with addiction.”
“His passing is a devastating loss for our family and his friends, but we are grateful for the time we had with him,” White continued. “Jay was happiest outside, especially fishing rod in hand by the river bank with his dog Aspen. For those who had the pleasure of knowing Jay, he was truly a kind soul, willing to help anyone at a moment’s notice. We will always remember him like that.”
“We will share information about the celebration of life later,” she added.
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White concluded the post by encouraging anyone struggling with addiction to reach out for help and shared a number of help lines and resources.
The caption was accompanied by a photo of Jay smiling outdoors, a picture of him fishing and a throwback of the siblings from their childhood.
Representatives for White did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment.
The star who is supposed to star in the upcoming season of the reality show Winter houseshe was met with messages of support and condolences from her colleagues in the comments section.
Malia White with her brother Jay.
Malia White/Instagram
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“Rest Jay 🤍 I love you monkeys. Always there even when we are separated by oceans 💕”, she wrote Below deck Med and Winter house actress Katie Flood.
Colleague Below deck star Courtney Veale added, “Malia, I’m so sorry to be here. Sending so much love to you and your family 🙏🏽❤️,” as she Winter house Costar Amanda Batula wrote: “Sending you so much love and big hugs. We are sorry for your loss 🤍.”
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White first appeared on screens during the second season Below deck Med in 2016. She stars in Winter housewhich premieres Oct. 24, alongside other Bravo alums including Flood, Batula, Tom Schwartz, Kyle Cooke, Danielle Olivera and Brian Benni.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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Source: HIS Education