Family of Ian Thorpe’s ex Ryan Channing hits out at horrible rumour

A family member of Ian Thorpe’s ex boyfriend Ryan Channing has hit out at a vile rumour 32-year-old’s sudden death in Bali.

A family member of Ian Thorpe’s ex boyfriend Ryan Channing has hit out at vile rumours claiming the 32-year-old had HIV when he suddenly died in Bali.

The successful model, lawyer and businessman from Perth died suddenly in Bali after “battling health issues” for some time.

His family say his death was not the result of Covid infection that hospitalised him in Sydney eight weeks ago.

His skincare company, The Blaq Group, confirmed on Thursday that Mr Channing had been battling health issues for a few months prior to his death, but the nature of those issues is unknown.

Speculators took to Channing’s Instagram page overnight on Wednesday to make unsubstantiated claims that he had HIV.

Abbey Channing, a young relative of the skincare brand creator, hit back at the cruel trolls.

Channing, a successful skincare entrepreneur, is being remembered as a “beautiful soul. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Flavio Brancaleone

One person wrote: “You will notice Ryan went to hospital with Covid.

“Classic reaction from an otherwise young, healthy male who is immunocompromised because of HIV.”

Ms Channing responded: “Please don’t make assumptions about somebody’s death.”

As well as being an unsubstantiated claim, it also assumes that somebody with HIV can die from contracting the virus.

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations says living with HIV today is vastly different to what it meant to a person’s ongoing health and life expectancy when the epidemic first began.

“Today, a HIV positive person who is on effective treatment can live as long and as healthy a life as a person who does not have HIV,” it says

“A person with HIV is described as ‘HIV positive’, meaning that they receive a ‘positive’ result from a blood test for HIV infection. This does not mean they have AIDS.

“AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) occurs as the result of a person’s immune system being severely damaged by HIV. Unless a person commences treatment, they will be vulnerable to infections and illnesses that their immune system would normally fight off.”

Another person wrote on social media: “Only 32 years and always the picture of health.

“Suicide is a terrible thing, mental health funding needs to be improved.”

Ms Channing again wrote: “Please don’t make assumptions about somebody’s death.”

Mr Channing’s skincare company, The Blaq Group, posted an emotional tribute on Thursday – remembering the 32-year-old for his ‘fun loving spirit’.

“It is with heavy heart that we share the news that The Blaq Group founder, Ryan Channing, has passed away at the age of 32.

Mr Channing’s family have hit back at rumours. Picture: Instagram

“Ryan had been battling with health issues over the past few months and died in hospital after being taken suddenly ill on Sunday May 9th whilst on holidays in Bali.

“His inspiration led to the creation of highly regarded skincare brands, Flight Mode and Generation Skin as well as the flagship brand Blaq which strives to empower equality through its distinctive messages of acceptance and inclusivity.”

The shock death was announced on Instagram on Wednesday by his younger brother Jake.

“Seeing as the news headlines beat my whole family to posting about this unfortunate time in our lives, it’s with a heavy heart I announce that my brother Ryan has recently passed away on Sunday the 8th of May at 32 years of age,” Jake wrote.

“As we seek answers and try come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of my beautiful big brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy, he will be forever loved, never forgotten and forever young.

“To my big brother, I love you, I’ll see you one day soon you’ll be missed more than you know.”

Their sister Charis wrote: “Saying goodbye to you on Sunday was the hardest thing my family and I have ever had to do. 32 years young, you’re gone too soon.

“As we seek answers and try come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of my brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy.

“I know you will be looking down on us and we love you lots.”

Ryan Channing and Ian Thorpe. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning

It’s understood Channing was taken to Bali’s BIMC Hospital on May 8.

Channing was Thorpe’s first official partner after coming out as gay in an interview with Michael Parkinson following years of speculation.

Channing and Thorpe started dating in 2015 before going their separate ways in June, 2019.

The pair were vocal during the marriage equality plebiscite and had explored options to have their first child with the help of a surrogate in the US.

Ryan Channing and Ian Thorpe at opening of The Darling at The Star Gold Coast. Picture: Regina King

Just months before splitting up, Thorpe confirmed their plans to expand their family after being spotted at a reproductive clinic in Los Angeles in January, 2019.

“We’re talking about it and have for a while, but it’s still early days,” Thorpe told the Daily Mail at the time.

“Yes, we decided to visit the clinic in LA — it’s all part of the plan at this stage.”

Channing said the United States presented an easier pathway towards becoming parents because in Australia the laws governing surrogacy for same sex couples are stricter.

Channing, a successful skincare entrepreneur, is being remembered as a “beautiful soul”. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning

Channing’s skincare company owns brands Blaq, Flight Mode and Generation Skin.

Last July he revealed he was filming a pilot for a new reality show on Netflix in Los Angeles.

He said the show, called The Skintrepreneurs, will follow the journey of The Blaq Group, which is the largest skincare exporter in Australia.