The Bachelor’s Sarah Herron announces the death of a newborn child

Sarah Herron, a former contestant on The Bachelor, announced the death of her newborn child this week.

Oliver Brown, whom Herron called “our IVF miracle,” was born prematurely on Jan. 28 at 24 weeks and “died shortly thereafter in his father’s arms,” ​​Herron wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

A photo of Herron lying on a hospital bed accompanied the post. In it, she hugs Oliver to her chest while her fiancé, Dylan Brown, kisses Herron on the forehead.

“There are no words for the magnitude of the loss and pain we are experiencing,” she said. “It’s beautiful and tragic at the same time. He had my father’s nose and mouth and long fingers.”

Last September, Herron and Brown announced their pregnancy, telling US Weekly they had attempted to conceive naturally but opted for in vitro fertilization after tests revealed Herron had reduced ovarian reserve.

Herron regularly shared details about her pregnancy on Instagram, including medical complications. In Wednesday’s post, she recalled loving moments Oliver shared with her during her pregnancy, like swimming with sea turtles, recovering from a broken knee, enjoying Brown’s cooking and spending time with her extremely loyal dog, Rio .

“Though our hearts are incredibly shaken, we are comforted to know that our son’s soul has always known only love and will not suffer in a body not made for this life,” she continued.

The reality TV star was a contestant on the 17th season of ABC’s The Bachelor in 2013, and after being eliminated she returned the next year for the first and later third seasons of Bachelor in Paradise.

During the first season of Bachelor in Paradise, Herron spoke out against the drunken behavior of one of the male contestants, Chad Johnson, who insulted Herron about her disability. Herron was born with amniotic band syndrome and has a full arm. Johnson was kicked from the show after Herron complained to the producers, calling the incident “poor form for the franchise” that “threatened our safety for the sake of ratings.”

Many former “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” contestants have offered their condolences since the post, including former show host Chris Harrison, who wrote in the comments, “God bless you all Sarah. We love you.”

“I would do anything to take away your pain,” wrote Ashley Spivey, a season 15 contestant. “Oliver will always be with you and I know you and Dylan will keep his memory alive no matter what. He will visit you in small ways and you will live for those moments.”

Clare Crawley, season 18 runner-up and “The Bachelorette” season 16 lead, called Herron “the most amazing mother,” adding that her “strength through it all, fighting so hard for your son, is nothing short of beautiful.” was to witness.”

Catherine Giudici Lowe, who starred alongside Herron in the show’s 17th season, wrote: “Wish I could hug you now, what a heartbreaking experience for you precious mommy. Sending you so much love now and praying for you both.”

Herron ended her post by promising that Oliver “will never be replaced,” calling him “so perfect and awesome.”