Michael Kelcourse has passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday in Sarasota, Florida due to 'complications' from stroke as well as spinal cord injury.
He is known for appearing in the Bravo reality series, Southern Charm - but retired from the show after suffering from an acute spinal cord stroke in 2021 following the seventh season.
Kelcourse had been the butler to Patricia Altschul for a total of 18 years before moving to an assisted living facility in the state of Florida.
Earlier this month, Michael had suffered from a second 'debilitating' stroke which left him partially paralyzed on the 'right side.'
A close friend of Patricia and Michael - Luzanne Otte - confirmed his death in a statement on his Caring Bridge website and wrote, 'It is with heavy heart that Michael Kelcourse died on October 22 in Sarasota, Florida.'
Michael Kelcourse has passed away at the age of 71 in Tuesday on Sarasota, Florida due to 'complications' from stroke as well as spinal cord injury
She added that his passing was 'due to complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke.'
Otte added that after his 2021 stroke, Michael 'remained extraordinarily good natured about the cruel twist of fate.'
'As hope of recovery dwindled here, Michael focused on blessings there. A profound inspiration for all who crossed his path.'
'Despite relatively constant disappointment from an unending stream of medical complications related to spinal cord injury, the only time I ever witnessed Michael with spirits down was when he started hospice care in June.'
Luzanne added that Osteomyelitis symptoms had 'taken a toll and readied Michael to embrace death has his next great adventure.'
She revealed that before his death, Kelcourse had requested caviar and added that both she and Patricia had 'exchanged happy memories of Michael.'
Otte humorously continued, '(AKA "the most stable relationship I've ever had," joking about her marriage being 15 years and spending 18 years with Michael). Apparently, Pat received a caviar SOS, too. Bless.'
A fan of dogs, Michael was also visited by a service dog before his death - and it was revealed Patricia's own pug had passed only days before Kelcourse.
Kelcourse had been the butler to Patricia Altschul for a total of 18 years before moving to an assisted living facility in the state of Florida
A close friend of Patricia and Michael - Luzanne Otte - confirmed his death in a statement on his Caring Bridge website and wrote, 'It is with heavy heart that Michael Kelcourse died on October 22 in Sarasota, Florida'
Towards the end of the statement, Luzanne mentioned his second stroke earlier this month and revealed it had left him 'paralyzed on the right side and without the ability to speak'
'We find some comfort in the belief that they are on the next adventure together,' Otte penned.
Towards the end of the statement, Luzanne mentioned his second stroke earlier this month and revealed it had left him 'paralyzed on the right side and without the ability to speak.'
'His left hand and mental facilities remained intact. In Michael's final week, he was surrounded by loved ones reading the kind words written by hundreds of beloved fans in birthday cards.'
Nearly ten days before his death, Kelcourse had celebrated his 71st birthday on October 13.
Otte sent gratitude to his fans, adding, 'What greater gift than to die knowing you are loved and your life will be remembered.'
'In the coming weeks, Pat and other loved ones will share precious memories of Michael on social media. Please consider leaving your own happy memory or condolence for Michael's family.'
A few weeks earlier on October 7, Patricia took to her own Instagram page to give a health update on Michael and revealed he had suffered another stroke.
'I am very sad to share that Michael has had another stroke. I am told that while he cannot read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards,' the star wrote.
A few weeks earlier on October 7, Patricia took to her own Instagram page to give a health update on Michael and revealed he had suffered another stroke
'I am very sad to share that Michael has had another stroke. I am told that while he cannot read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards,' the star wrote
'His birthday is October 13th and it would be so nice if his fans would send him a card.'
Altschul then gave his fans an address to send fan mail and cards to, while adding, 'We are sure he would love to receive your birthday and well wishes. I know he means so much to so many of you.'
Two days later, Patricia followed up with a message to Southern Charm fans alongside a throwback clip of Michael on the show.
'Thank you for all of your kind messages about Michael and to everyone who has sent him birthday cards. I know he will appreciate them.'
She added, 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is in Florida right now, especially Michael.'
Patricia had the chance to visit Michael in Florida late last year in December shortly before Christmas.
At the time, she uploaded a photo of the pair posing together as they enjoyed a relaxing meal while catching up.
Patricia had the chance to visit Michael in Florida late last year in December shortly before Christmas
She wrote in the caption, 'First there was Covid.. then my back fracture so this is the first I've ever been able to spend time with Michael @michaelkelcourse.'
Last month in September, it was reported that Michael was near death and entering the 'final chapter of life,' per his Caring Bridge website.
Luzanne Otte had uploaded photos from their 'many years of friendship' and said Kelcourse was a 'funny, big hearted man with a heart for service.'
She also wrote that, 'When Michael entered a full time care facility due to serious medical conditions related to paralysis began to take a toll on his poor body, strangers-turned-friends blessed him with random acts of kindness...'
Last month in September, it was reported that Michael was near death and entering the 'final chapter of life,' per his Caring Bridge website
Following his death, social media users and fans have since shared their condolences on Michael's last Instagram post - which had been uploaded one year earlier in October 2023
To conclude the message, Otte then expressed, 'As Michael enters into the final chapter of life, he feels blessed and grateful to be surrounded by so much love from strangers and friends alike; a testament to a life well-lived.'
Following his death, social media users and fans have since shared their condolences on Michael's last Instagram post - which had been uploaded one year earlier in October 2023.
One penned in the comments, 'R.I.P. You were the sweetest man,' while another added, 'Rest in Peace.'
'I am so very sad to read you have passed. You were such a bright light for so many people you never met. Rest in peace, dear Michel,' one also wrote.
Source : www.dailymail.co.uk
