Ian Thorpe breaks silence after ex-fiancé's sudden death at 32

Ian Thorpe, 39, has finally spoken out after the shocking death of his ex-fiancé Ryan Channing, 32, who passed away suddenly in Bali earlier this month.

The former Olympic swimmer said Ryan's death was "tragic" and felt for his loved ones.

"This is a relationship that I had that was a long-term relationship and I feel for Ryan's family," Ian told The Daily Telegraph. "I hope people are able to respect their privacy as well. I think when it is someone that is so young, it is tragic for anyone to see them passing at that kind of age."

While Ryan's cause of death has not been officially confirmed, the Daily Mail reports Bali police have revealed he died from an overdose of prescription medication.

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Ryan, who was a model, lawyer and founder of skincare company, The Blaq Group, was reportedly rushed to hospital after he fainted in a Bali villa where he was holidaying with family.

His mother Joy, who was by Ryan's bedside during his final days, took to Instagram to thank "everyone for their overwhelming love and support".

She wrote that her son "lived life to the fullest".

"Constantly surrounded by excitement and creativity, with an undeniable drive to seek perfection in everything," she wrote. "To be part of Ryan’s world, and to be swept up in his adventures and triumphs was a privilege for all of us."

Ryan's brother Jake also shared a post about his brother, writing, "It's with a heavy heart I announce that my brother Ryan has recently passed away on Sunday the 8th of May at 32 years of age.

"As we seek answers and try to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of my beautiful big brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy, he will be forever loved, never forgotten and forever young. To my big brother, I love you, I’ll see you one day soon you’ll be missed more than you know."

A friend told the Daily Telegraph earlier this month that Ryan had been "battling health issues" for some time.

"Everyone is distraught," the close friend shared. "It is just so sad and everyone is shocked."

Another added that the news "is so incredibly sad".

Ryan and Ian were on-again, off-again for four years and at one point considered having a child via a surrogate. The pair split in June 2019.

The model was Ian's first official boyfriend after he came out following years of speculation.

During an interview with WHO, Ryan revealed the reason for their split in 2019, saying, "It was more around the busy lifestyles we lead now and the fact it was hard to manage the relationship with the travel schedules we have."

Mental health 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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