Rod Durham, a contestant on season four of Extreme Weight Loss, died over the weekend of diabetic shock at the age of 52. A high school teacher, Durham was in Fort Lauderdale during his school’s spring break. His body was discovered by a housekeeper at the hotel where he was staying.
While a contestant on Extreme Weight Loss in 2014, Rod Durham lost 180 pounds. Heidi Powell, one of the show’s trainers, paid tribute to Durham via Instagram.
“Heaven just got a lot brighter today when Rod entered the pearly gates. 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…including my dad. Rod, you will be missed terribly. Everything from your kindness, to your warm smile and bear hugs, to your friendship, to you extraordinary ability to make ANYONE (including me) feel special. YOU are special. And will never be forgotten. Love you BIG, and can’t wait to be welcomed into heaven someday with that one-of-a-kind infectious laugh of yours. Thanks for changing MY world, @roddurham. Now go do you up there, buddy!!!! ??❤️,” she captioned a photo of herself with Rod Durham, along with her husband and fellow trainer, Chris Powell.
Chris Powell shared an Instagram tribute to Rod Durham, too.
“Your positive energy and contagious laugh brightened this world and everyone lucky enough to meet you. You had an ability to make everyone feel special and loved. You changed your own life and in the process, you motivated and inspired millions of others. You have forever made a positive difference in this world.
We love you and miss you Rod. There are some lucky angels up there because they can enjoy your awesomeness now. We’ll see you again, brother. PS I’m sure heaven has a pretty sweet gym and all the weight you can lift ?,” he captioned his post.
In addition to teaching high school, Rod Durham was an actor and director in his local theater group in Tallahassee.