Below Deck star Nico Scholly has paid an emotional tribute to his late brother Tristen, who died after falling from a balcony last November.
The 21-year-old suffered severe head injuries in the fall, from the third-floor of a Chicago apartment block, and was left brain dead.
His family were told by medics at the city’s Northwestern Hospital that there was nothing more they could do.
Nico opens up about his tragic loss and pays tribute to his “best friend” in a confessional following a conversation with Captain Lee Rosbach on tonight’s Below Deck Season 5 premiere.
He says: “Last November, unfortunately, my 21-year-old little brother had fallen from a balcony and hit his head pretty good.
“Unfortunately he passed away and, you know…he’s my best friend. You think that maybe you’re just dreaming, maybe that this isn’t real.
“I still try and call his phone and he doesn’t pick up, and he’s never going to.”
Nico also took to Instagram where he penned a heartfelt message about his brother, and showed off a tattoo sleeve which he has had done as a tribute to Tristen.
Nico announced his brother’s passing in a message on Twitter last November saying: “My younger brother of 21 is now an angel.”
Other Below Deck stars sent messages of support to him and his family following the heartbreaking news.
My heart is broken for the Scholly family. Please say an extra prayer for strength and God's grace as they endure this tragedy. https://t.co/am9WKazQ1r
— Kate Chastain (@Kate_Chastain) November 14, 2016
#BelowDeck friends, fans, and family: Please send as much love and light towards @NicoScholly93 and his family as you can in this hard time
— Adrienne Gang (@AdrienneGang) November 14, 2016
Tristen saved four other people’s lives by donating his organs following his death, and Nico and his family have since set up the Tristen Scott Foundation in his honor.
It aims to raise awareness about how important it is to be an organ donor, and to support the families of people who donate their organs following their death.
Below Deck airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.