Bachelorette's Julien Hug committed suicide

A sad story just got sadder. Former Bachelorette contestant Julien Hug, found dead Wednesday in a remote area near California State Road 74, committed suicide.

Sad revelation

His parents made the shocking announcement Friday and said their son left a goodbye note.

"In his letter to us he stated that he was suffering from acute depression and he felt it was his only way out," parents Bertrand and Denise Hug told PEOPLE. "While publicly outgoing he was an extremely private person who internalized everything."

The Hugs said they spoke out to dispel various rumors surrounding their son's death.

"Our son meant the world to us and this came as a complete shock. We are beyond devastated and completely distraught...What we saw was his thirst for life with fast cars, motorcycles and his love of skydiving. What we see now is the immense amount of love that everyone has for him. Anyone close to Julien is receiving an extreme outpouring of concern via text, email and messages. This is an honored tribute to what an amazing person he was and we thank everyone for their love, prayers and continued support. To us Julien was as beautiful inside as he was outside and we wish to have him remembered in this way, a way he deserves and would appreciate, not by false comments from people outside the family. No one he has touched will ever forget him, most of all us."

Bachelorette castmates distraught

The love for Hug, 35, was apparent after former Bachelorette Jillian Harris and fellow contestant Kiptyn Locke spoke out about their grief.

"I am completely heartbroken for the Hug family, and my whole heart goes out to them today as they mourn a precious life that ended far too soon," Harris said in a statement. "It's very difficult to find the words to express my condolences, but I will always remember Julien's gentle demeanor and kind heart, which will be sadly missed."

"[Hug was] one of the most positive, standout people I have met," Locke told OK! Magazine. "He was always trying to help other people. From the very first time I met him, he was just a very selfless guy."

A public service is planned for Julien Hug on Nov. 12, according La Jolla Light. A location will be announced at a later time.