Southern Charm's Austen Kroll Recounts Emotional Reunion with Ex Olivia Flowers Following Her Brother's Tragic Passing
Austen Kroll of Southern Charm reminisces a heartfelt reunion with ex Olivia Flowers, describing it as a memorable 'rom-com moment' that occurred after her devastating loss
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Austen Kroll wanted to be there for ex Olivia Flowers as much as he could after her brother Conner died in January.
Austen, 36, expressed on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Thursday, November 2, that it was challenging for him emotionally. He felt a sense of obligation to be there for Olivia, but he had consciously decided not to fulfill that role. After Olivia's brother passed away, she eventually reached out to Austen, and he hurried to be with her. Despite their turbulent relationship since their breakup in September 2022, Austen felt a deeper connection with his ex-girlfriend in the aftermath of her loss.
"I'll never forget that moment," the Southern Charm star shared with WWHL host Andy Cohen. "I rushed downstairs to reunite with her, and it was like we were in a romantic comedy - meeting in the driveway and embracing each other."
Austen found a deep connection with Olivia in that instant due to his own personal encounter with the loss of a sibling. When he was just 7 years old, Austen's older sister, Kyle, tragically passed away while they were on a family getaway at Chimney Rock State Park.
Andy Cohen, Alex Cooper and Austen Kroll on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” Charles Sykes/Bravo
"It was indescribable," he expressed.
Olivia and her family announced the passing of Conner at 32 years old in February, describing him as "an exceptional young man" in a statement provided to We. "His beliefs and family were the essence of his character," the statement extended. "We anticipate his absence to deeply resonate with numerous individuals in the years ahead."
Fans witnessed the Southern Charm cast, including Olivia, grieving the loss of Connor during the recent Bravo episodes. On November 1, Olivia disclosed the reason behind her brother's passing, stating that he tragically died from an unintentional overdose of fentanyl. She elaborated that his dependence on prescription medication was closely linked to his ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at the age of 15.
Olivia Flowers and Connor Flowers Courtesy of Olivia Flowers/Instagram
Olivia revealed to People on Wednesday that from an early age, he relied on this prescribed medication to feel normal. She also expressed how the toll it took on his body became evident to their family. The reality star further explained that Conner detested discussing his illness and that even those closest to him remained unaware of his Lyme condition.
Olivia promptly confronted the stigma associated with a fentanyl overdose, clarifying that these substances were not something he sought for recreational purposes. She emphasized that Conner's addiction stemmed from the multiple medications he had been prescribed throughout the years.
"In hearing that he died from a fentanyl overdose, people will immediately assume he was partying," she explained. "But Conner was not like that. This was a setback. This was his way of coping and staying alive."
