'Extreme Weight Loss' Contestant Rod Durham Dead At 52

Durham, a high school teacher, appeared on Season 4 of the show.
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High school teacher and "Extreme Weight Loss" contestant Rod Durham was found dead over the weekend. He was 52.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Durham's body was discovered in a motel in Fort Lauderdale, where he was visiting during his school's spring break. Though friends speculated he died of diabetic shock, the cause of death remains undetermined.

"He always made everyone smile -- even if you were having the worst day," Rocky Hana, Leon County Schools administrator, told the Democrat on Monday. "If you saw Rod, your day got better. His laugh was simply infectious. ... Everyone loved Rod Durham. There are tens of thousands of kids today who are broken-hearted."

Durham gained fame in 2014 by appearing on Season 4 of ABC's "Extreme Weight Loss." He lost over 180 pounds on the show and stood out for his attitude and kindness.

"Extreme Weight Loss" trainer Heidi Powell mourned Durham's loss on Monday, Instagramming a photo of herself with the former reality show contestant.

"Heaven just got a lot brighter today when Rod entered the pearly gates," Powell wrote. "While I am selfishly so sad and completely devastated that I won't get to see him on earth anymore, I am rejoicing for the spirit he is carrying with him and spreading to everyone up there."

Durham celebrated a birthday only a month ago according to his Instagram. His last post reads, "I'm 52 today (February 6th) ...Behold Bitches (sorry! I'm happy to still be alive!)"

I'm 52 today (February 6th) ...Behold Bitches (sorry! I'm happy to still be alive!)

A photo posted by Rod Durham (@roddurham) on

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