High school teacher and former Extreme Weight Loss contestant Rod Durham was found dead in a motel in Fort Lauderdale over the weekend. He was 52.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Durham was on vacation during his school’s spring break. Friends speculate Durham died of diabetic shock; however, authorities are still investigating the cause of death.
The Leon High School drama instructor appeared on Extreme Weight Loss in 2014, he weighed approximately 450 pounds and lost more than 180 pounds while on season four of the show.
“Heaven just got a lot brighter today when Rod entered the pearly gates,” Heidi Powell, Extreme Weight Loss trainer, wrote on Instagram Monday. “Rod, you will be missed terribly. Everything from your kindness, to your warm smile and bear hugs, to your friendship, to your extraordinary ability to make ANYONE (including me) feel special. YOU are special. And will never be forgotten.”
Chris Powell, host and trainer on the show, also mourned Durham’s death. “Your positive energy and contagious laugh brightened this world and everyone lucky enough to meet you,” he wrote on Instagram. “You had an ability to make everyone feel special and loved. You changed your own life and in the process, you motivated and inspired millions of others… We love you and miss you Rod. PS: I’m sure heaven has a pretty sweet gym and all the weight you can lift.”
Brandi Mallory, a former contestant on the show who developed a close friendship with Durham, also reacted to the news on social media.
“This was the worst news to wake up to. My friend and castmate Rod Durham passed away at 52. He was the first person I opened up to during casting week at the start of our journey,” wrote Mallory, who lost 151 pounds during season four. “He was so inviting and loving. He listened to every word you’d say and give the best advice! His laugh was contagious and his heart was as large as the ocean spans. You will indeed be missed… Fly high Brother and rest easy, I know your dad was waiting right there for you!”
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Durham was also well known as an actor and director. He co-directed “Agnes of God,” and acted in various plays, including “The Piano Lesson” and “The Merchant of Venice” at the Theatre Tallahassee.
