The sad news broke out first on TMZ, with a family source confirming that Bateman died “suddenly recently.” The manner of her death was not disclosed, and other details about her death are yet to be confirmed.
Bateman was a contestant on Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels in 2009, the third and last season of the VH1 reality show. The show took the Poison leader and the contestants on tour buses around the country, vying for the opportunity to date the rock star.
Bateman was a fan favorite while on the show and made it to the top 10 before she got eliminated in episode seven. In her tearful farewell, Bateman spoke about the experience, stating, “I ended up laying on a speed bump bawling my eyes out, but you know what? I’m here and I’m ready for whatever Bret has to say to me.”
Michaels explained to her in the episode, “At one point I glanced around during the show and you weren’t there anymore. I think you’re great and a gorgeous girl, and I said sometimes I have to make choices for people. And my choice for you is that I’m going to allow your tour to end here.
Bateman afterward confided in her confessional that she was prepared to go on after being sent home, stating she intended to take care of herself instead of dating rock stars.
Although she did not take the win for that season, her personality made an indelible mark on viewers of the show.
Bret Michaels later got into an on-and-off long-term relationship with actress and model Kristi Gibson, mother of his two daughters, Raine and Jorja. Gibson has often accompanied Michaels on his tours with Poison.
To date, Michaels has not made a public comment about Bateman’s death. A rep for the rocker did not have an immediate response to a request for comment, and PEOPLE confirmed they are also trying to get word back from local authorities.
Bateman’s death is a tragic moment for lovers of Rock of Love, who recall her as one of the more sincere and sincere contestants on the reality dating show.
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