'It was preventable': Bride and Prejudice star's counsellor on his sudden death

It’s believed a drug overdose could be the cause of Bride and Prejudice star Micah Downey’s sudden death, his counsellor has revealed online.

Jodi Barber, whose own son died of a heroin overdose many years ago, took to Facebook to explain drugs played a role in the 26-year-old’s tragic death on December 28.

“Micah’s parents don’t want this to happen to another young life. They understand it was preventable!” she wrote in a post sharing a photo of Micah and his son Julian.

Micah Downey was getting help

Jodi went on to explain she was first asked to speak to Micah by his family back in 2014.

“Micah stayed clean as long as he could off and on,” she wrote.

“The struggle is real and difficult. Fast forward to August, when he reached out again.”

That’s when despite his heroin addiction, he was reportedly prescribed ‘two different Benzodiazepines’ - a strong hypnotic sedative.

“Prescribing benzos to someone using is dangerous, a deadly combination!” Jodi said.

“There has to be a better way to cope with anxiety and depression for those addicted to heroin. Micah will never be forgotten and deeply missed.”

Milly’s mother says Micah ‘couldn’t be saved’

Micah appeared on the Channel 7 reality show show alongside then-fiancee Milly Johnson.

Footage, believed to have been filmed in May 2019 shortly after Milly called off their wedding due to his drug use, showed Milly’s mother Catherine Johnson saying Micah ‘couldn’t be saved’.

“You know you're not his saviour. You're not going to save him. He's got to save himself,” Catherine said.

“And you can't marry someone because you feel sorry for them. He needs to prove himself and he hasn't.”

Micah and Milly’s mother clashed often on the show, with Catherine describing Micah’s recreational drug use as an ‘addiction’.

Tragic news of star’s death

Milly, who is expecting the couple’s second child this month, shared the tragic news on Tuesday

“On the 28 December 2019 Micah Patrick Downey passed away,” she wrote.

“I am struggling to put into words how sad & heartbreaking this is. I just hope he is at peace wherever he is & that he will always be watching over his babies. A bad, bad dream.

“I can’t believe you’re not here. Rest In Peace Micah.”

The pair were not together anymore after cutting ties while filming the show, with Milly revealing on Instagram afterwards they “rarely spoke” after Micah moved back to America.

Channel Seven also shared a statement on the tragic news.

“The team at Bride and Prejudice is devastated by the news of the loss of Micah Downey. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” it read.

Support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Online support is available via Beyond Blue.

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