Southern Charm’s Michael Kelcourse passes away at age 71 – as cause of death is revealed

Michael Kelcourse died on Tuesday at the age of 71 in Sarasota, Florida due to ‘complications’ from a stroke and a spinal cord injury.

He is known for his appearance on the Bravo reality series Southern Charm, but retired from the show after suffering an acute spinal cord injury in 2021 following the seventh season.

Kelcourse was Patricia Altschul’s butler for a total of 18 years before moving to an assisted living facility in the state of Florida.

Earlier this month, Michael had suffered a second ‘debilitating’ stroke, which left him partially paralyzed on the ‘right side’.

A close friend of Patricia and Michael – Luzanne Otte – confirmed his death in a statement about him Zorgbrug website and wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that Michael Kelcourse passed away on October 22 in Sarasota, Florida.”

She added that his death was “due to complications related to spinal cord injury and stroke.”

Otte added that after his stroke in 2021, Michael remained “extremely good-natured about the cruel twist of fate.”

“As hope for recovery here dwindled, Michael focused on the blessings there. A profound inspiration for everyone who crossed his path.’

“Despite the relatively constant disappointment of an endless stream of medical complications from a spinal cord injury, the only time I ever saw Michael despondent was when he began hospice care in June.”

Luzanne added that the symptoms of osteomyelitis had “taken their toll and Michael was ready to embrace death and embark on his next great adventure.”

She revealed that Kelcourse had asked for caviar before his death, adding that both she and Patricia had “exchanged happy memories of Michael.”

Otte continued humorously, “(aka “the most stable relationship I’ve ever had,” joking about her marriage lasting 15 years and spending 18 years with Michael). Apparently Pat also received a caviar SOS. Bless.’

Michael, a fan of dogs, was also visited by a service dog before his death – and it was revealed that Patricia’s own pug had died just days before Kelcourse.

“We take some comfort in the belief that they are on the next adventure together,” Otte wrote.

Towards the end of the statement, Luzanne mentioned his second stroke earlier this month, revealing that it left him “paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak.”

‘His left hand and mental facilities remained intact. In Michael’s final week, he was surrounded by loved ones who read the kind words written on birthday cards by hundreds of beloved fans.”

Nearly ten days before his death, Kelcourse had celebrated his 71st birthday on October 13.

Otte thanked his fans and added: ‘What greater gift is there than to die knowing that you are loved and that your life will be remembered.’

“In the coming weeks, Pat and other loved ones will share fond memories of Michael on social media. Please consider leaving your own happy memory or condolence for Michael’s family.”

A few weeks earlier, on October 7, Patricia took to her own Instagram page to give a health update on Michael, revealing that he had suffered another stroke.

‘I am very sad to announce that Michael has suffered another stroke. I’m told that while he can’t read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards,” the star wrote.

“His birthday is October 13 and it would be so nice if his fans would send him a card.”

Altschul then gave his fans an address to send fan mail and cards to, adding, “We’re sure he would love to receive your birthday and congratulations.” I know he means so much to many of you.”

Two days later, Patricia followed up with a message to Southern Charm fans, along with a throwback clip of Michael on the show.

‘Thank you for all your kind messages about Michael and everyone who sent him birthday cards. I know he will appreciate them.”

She added, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is in Florida right now, especially Michael.”

Patricia had the opportunity to visit Michael in Florida late last year in December, shortly before Christmas.

At the time, she uploaded a photo of the pair posing together as they enjoyed a relaxing meal while catching up.

She wrote in the caption: “First there was Covid… then my broken back so this is the first time I’ve ever been able to spend time with Michael @michaelkelcourse.”

Last September, it was reported that Michael was near death and entering the “final chapter of his life,” according to his Caring Bridge website.

Luzanne Otte had uploaded photos of their “many years of friendship” and said Kelcourse was a “funny man with a big heart and a passion for service.”

She also wrote, “When Michael entered a full-time care facility due to serious medical conditions related to paralysis began to take a toll on his poor body, strangers-turned-friends blessed him with random acts of kindness…”

Concluding the message, Otte then said, “As Michael enters the final chapter of his life, he feels blessed and grateful to be surrounded by so much love from strangers and friends alike; a testament to a life well lived.”

Following his death, social media users and fans have since shared their condolences on Michael’s last Instagram post, which was uploaded a year earlier in October 2023.

One wrote in the comments: ‘RIP You were the sweetest man,’ while another added: ‘Rest in peace.’

‘I am so sad to read that you have passed away. You were such a bright light to so many people you never met. Rest in peace, dear Michel,” someone also wrote.