Who Was Michael Allio's Wife? How 'Bachelor in Paradise' Star's Partner Died

Bachelor in Paradise contestant Michael Allio has opened up about his late wife.

The reality show, which features contestants who have featured on various seasons of dating shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, is back on ABC for season eight.

Allio was a fan favorite on season 17 of The Bachelorette, Katie Thurston's season, and even made it to the final four before quitting so he could go home and be with his young son.

The star has been seen opening up about dating after the death of his wife, Laura, who gave birth to their boy, James, shortly before she passed away.

Newsweek has everything you need to know about Bachelor in Paradise star Michael Allio's late wife.

Who Was 'Bachelor in Paradise' Star Michael Allio's Wife?

Michael Allio met Laura Ritter (later Laura Ritter-Allio) when they were both students at Loyola University in Chicago. The pair married in 2012 and, four years later, they welcomed their son.

How Did Allio's Wife Laura Die?

Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2017 and she died in January 2019 at the age of 33. After his wife's passing, Allio set up The L4 Project, a website that sells clothing and gives 100 percent of the proceeds to charity groups that help to improve the lives of cancer patients.

Following his stint on The Bachelorette in 2021, Allio said that he did seek the approval of his late wife's parents before joining the show. He told the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast: "My decision to, you know, begin this journey is not just mine. So there's a lot of people who are affected with it in my world, people that I really love and cherish.

"I did say that before I decided to go on the show, 'I wouldn't go on, unless my in-laws have given me full approval.' Basically, like, this is my 'out to do something' that may make me feel uncomfortable, but they were supportive, too."

During the premiere of season eight of Bachelor in Paradise, Allio said that he hasn't dated since his last reality TV stint.

"Since I left Katie's season, I took some time off dating and just got back to my normal life being a dad," he said.

Speaking out about how his son feels about him joining the cast, Allio added: "Since Laura passed, he wants a mother figure. He feels that missing piece. And I'm really hoping to find someone here so that James and I can take that next step in our life."

Revealing why he felt comfortable leaving James, now 6, again after quitting The Bachelorette and ending his romance with Thurston to be with him, Allio said to Access: "James was at a very different point in his life. One-year difference is a lot in a child's life.

"So we were able to talk about it a lot more, and we approached it a lot different this time than the first time around. He's being watched by my parents and my in-laws. They've got vacations planned. He's really excited to have this time, but we're gonna miss each other."

Newsweek has contacted a representative for Thurston for comment.

Joining Allio in the Bachelor in Paradise season eight cast are The Bachelorette season 19 stars Logan Palmer, Johnny DePhillipo, and Jacob Rapini, as well as Shanae Ankney, Jill Chin and Hunter Haag from The Bachelor season 26.

Jesse Palmer, most recently seen anchoring Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia's season of The Bachelorette, is back as host, after being confirmed as the frontman of the franchise in 2021.

Wells Adams, who was a contestant on the 12th season of The Bachelorette and married Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland, 31, in August, has also reprised his role as the island's resident bartender.

Bachelor in Paradise season eight airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.