Who was Rolandas Juodvalkis and what was his cause of death?
SEASON 17 of ABC's The Bachelorette launched on June 7, 2021 - and the first episode concluded with a tribute. A man who was connected to the popular reality show franchise has passed away. A tribute flashed on the screen during the final moments of the season premiere of The Bachelorette on June 7. "In Loving Memory Rolandas Juodvalkis," it read. No cause of death was revealed. A Facebook page lists a Rolandas Juodvalkis with a hometown of Santa Monica, California, and a birthplace of Vilnius, Lithuania. Fans of the show were shocked by the mystery tribute. "Who did they say RIP to at the end of the episode," one person wrote on Twitter. Wrote another: "Rolandas Juodvalkis. Who was this?" Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe received rave reviews as they hosted the first episode of season 17. The new season features Katie Thurston and dozens of men trying to win her heart. The dynamic between Tayshia and Kaitlyn - as well as their bond with Katie - was described as fun and refreshing by many viewers. The kaitlyn tayshia and katie dynamic is going to be soooo much better than chris harrison or any other guy, one fan said. Sorry Chris Harrison.  2 Thurston is the star of season 17 Credit: Instagram  Earlier this year, Bachelor fans were shocked last week as it was announced Chris will be replaced by former leads Tayshia and Kaitlyn for the on-camera role. Harrison came under fire after he defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell in an interview with Rachel Lindsay on February 9. Kirkconnell came under fire after photos of her at an antebellum plantation-themed party in college leaked online. In the February 9 interview with Lindsay - the first Black lead in franchise Bachelorette history - Harrison said: We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I've seen some stuff online again, this 'judge, jury, executioner' thing where people are just tearing this girl's life apart. Most read in Celebrity Live Blog READY FOR LIFTOFF Tayshia's ex Blake Moynes makes surprise appearance on Katie's season SSSPEARS Britney shocks fans with tight bodysuit and calls herself a 'motherf***ing snake' 'AGAIN?' Fans slam Bachelorette for casting 'ANOTHER virgin' when Katie is 'sex positive' NOT NATURAL Khloe Kardashian admits to using Instagram filter as she looks unrecognizable Exclusive ALL GROWN UP Angelina & Brad's son Pax, 17, graduates high school but ditches ceremony 'CREEPY!' Scott Disick, 38, slammed for posting almost NAKED pic of Amelia Hamlin, 19  And diving intoher parents voting record...it's unbelievably alarming to watch this! "I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet, and until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say [anything]?  Harrison issued a statement on February 13 saying he would be "stepping aside for a period of time."