Carrie Ann Inabamourned the loss ofAaron Carteron Monday, remembering how the late musician always stood out to her during his run onDancing with the Stars.
“When he was onDancing with the Stars, he was one of the brightest lights,” she recalled. “He was one of the people who always came up behind the scenes whether there’s a rule in place or not, like ‘you’re not supposed to talk to one the judges,’ — he didn’t let that stop him.”
She went on to note that she would often think of Carter about how he was doing, especially since the former child star was “very open about his own personal struggles through life.”
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Despite what Carter was dealing with behind closed doors, Inaba, 54, said it did not appear he let that affect his attitude with others. “He was always effusive and always trying to connect with people,” she said.
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“I will always remember Aaron as this beautiful heart and light, and I just wish for him eternal peace,” she added. “And my heart and my prayers and my thoughts go out to his family because it’s a tremendous loss for all of us.”
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At the top of Monday’s episode ofDancing with the Stars, co-hostTyra Banksrevealed that the week 8 episode, dubbed “90s night,” would be dedicated to Carter.
“This past weekend, we lost Aaron Carter. And the team here atDancing with the Starsrecalls the fun and the energy he brought to the show, to this ballroom,” Banks shared. “And we offer our sincere condolences to his family.”
Carter placed fifth during his run on the show.
Karina Smirnoff, his dancing partner, also shared her memories of working with the late star. “RIP @aaroncarter,” she wrote on instagram, captioning a video of the two dancing together on the show. “So young! It’s heartbreaking! 💔💔💔 you always made people smile. Rest In Peace friend! You will be missed.”
Aaron Carter.Gabe Ginsberg/Getty
PEOPLEconfirmed Carter’s deathon Saturday. He was found that morning at his house in Lancaster, California, according to TMZ, who firstreportedthe news. He was 34 years old.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told PEOPLE a body was discovered just before 11 a.m. local time, but police did not officially identify the victim.
Carter facedlegal troubles, as well asstruggles with addictionandmental healthover the years, for which hesought treatment. Most recently, he was pulled over for suspicion of DUI on Tuesday but officersfound that he wasn’t under the influenceafter conducting a field sobriety test, according to TMZ.
The singer had recently welcomed his first child, 11-month-oldson Prince, with his on-and-off fiancéeMelanie Martin. “My heart is completely broken over the passing of my fiancé Aaron. I knew he was struggling, and I tried everything to help him,” Martin shared anemotional postfollowing the news of his death. “He has a very independent and strong personality, and I couldn’t help him in the way I felt he needed it. I only wish I had more people to help me with him. I will now be raising our son as a single mother and this is the worst day of my life, but I have to be strong for our son.”
On Sunday,the Backstreet Boys honored Aaron— who was the younger brother of bandmateNick Carter— during their concert in London Sunday night. “He was a part of our family and we thank you guys for all the love and all the well wishes and all the support,“Kevin Richardsontold the audience.
source: people.com
