Yahoo Lifestyle 'Southern Charm' Star Michael Kelcourse Dead at 71
Bravo's Southern Charm star Patricia Altschul has announced the death of Michael Kelcourse, who appeared alongside her on the reality series for several years after its 2014 premiere.
The reality personality shared the sad news on Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. 23, revealing he died peacefully the day before in Sarasota, Fla.
An informational page on CaringBridge set up to keep his fans in the loop attributed his death to "complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke."
"More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years. Michael’s time on Southern Charm endeared him to many, as his humor and kindness quickly made him a fan favorite," Altschul wrote.
"Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days," she continued. "I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed."
Southern Charm documents the personal and professional lives of a handful of Charleston, S.C.-area socialites, including Altschul, for whom Kelcourse served as a butler for several years before a spinal stroke left him paralyzed from the chest down in 2021.
According to those keeping his CaringBridge profile updated, he maintained a positive attitude even as his health declined, with his admission into hospice care in June causing the only instance of his "spirits [being] down."
Symptoms of osteomyelitis, an infection in the bone, took a toll on his body and after a "debilitating stroke" in early October, "Death began knocking harder on Michael's door."
He was left with right-sided paralysis and lost the ability to speak, though his "left hand and mental faculties remained intact."
As Altschul shared, too, Kelcourse was "surrounded by loved ones reading the kind words written by hundreds of beloved fans in birthday cards" in his final days.
"Thank you to all who took the time to raise him up in prayer and kindness," the entry on CaringBridge concluded. "What greater gift than to die knowing you are loved and your life will be remembered."
