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Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing dies suddenly in Bali

Ryan Channing, the former partner of retired Australian Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Ian Thorpe has died suddenly at the age of 32 with his family vowing to “seek answers”.

Getty Images for The Star ryanchanningianthorpe110522

Mr Channing, a model, lawyer and skincare brand creator from Perth, Australia, was staying in Bali when he was rushed to hospital on Sunday, where he later died.

In his last Instagram post, shared eight weeks ago, he revealed he was in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Covid got me GEWD (good)”, he told his 21,000 followers.

His family have since clarified that his death was unrelated to the virus.

Taking to social media to pay tribute to his “beautiful big brother”, scientist Jake Channing said: “Seeings as the news headlines beat my whole family to posting about this unfortunate time in our lives, 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 come to terms with the heart-breaking loss of my beautiful big brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy,” he continued.

“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. ( no this wasn’t covid related),” the post concluded.

Meanwhile, sister Charis Channing also spoke about his untimely passing online, penning: “Saying goodbye to you on Sunday was the hardest thing my family and I have ever had to do. 32 years young your gone too soon.

“As we seek answers and try come to terms with the heart-breaking loss of my brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy.

“I know you will be looking down on us and we love you lots.”

Channing was Thorpe’s first long-term boyfriend. The pair dated for four years and even discussed having a child together before finally calling time on their relationship in 2019.

The Standard has contacted a representative of Ian Thorpe for comment.