Share I loved hearing how enthusiastic he was about looking after his mum, learning about his gym and food routines, and creating funny handshakes together. I also really admired him opening the doors on the topic of mental health and some of his hardest times.
Tragedy: Tavita Karika (pictured), a personal trainer and barber, died in Wellington on Thursday night at the age of 31, leaving his friends and family devastated
Instagram tribute: After learning the sad news, Dr Nakhid-Schuster remembered Tavita for his sense of humour and bravery in speaking about mental health issues
Dr Nakhid-Schuster continued: My heart goes out to Tavita s loved ones. Having had the pleasure of meeting Tavita, I know what a truly devastating loss this is.
Share I was with him in his final moments. There was a lot of family and friends.
While no other specifics about his death have been released, it s been confirmed by the NZ Herald that Tavita died around midnight on Thursday in Wellington. I was with him in his final moments : Tavita was found overnight by his best friend and Bachelorette co-star Marc Johnson (pictured together)
Tavita was born in Christchurch but later moved to Wellington after finding fame on reality TV.
Friends have since started a GoFundMe to raise money to transport his body back to Christchurch and to help with funeral costs.
Former The Bachelorette New Zealand Contestant Tavita Karika Dead at 31 People 5/1/2021
Tavita Karika, who appeared on the first season of New Zealand s version of
The Bachelorette, has died at the age of 31.
His death was confirmed by fellow former contestant Marc Johnson, who told New Zealand news outlet Stuff that he was with Karika when the reality star died on Thursday night in Wellington. I can confirm that Tavita did pass last night around midnight, Johnson said. I can t tell you if it was before or after because it was just too emotional, and before I knew it four or five hours had passed.