Bergen County-Born Model May Have Died Of Overdose, Dad Says: Report

MAHWAH, NJ — Model Jeremy Ruehlemann likely died of an "accidental" drug overdose," the former Mahwah resident's father told DailyMail.com.

Ruehlemann, 27, was pronounced dead in a New York City apartment around 9:50 a.m. Saturday, a New York City Police Department spokesperson told Patch.

The young model, who, according to his obit, was born in Ridgewood and attended high school in Mahwah, was found "unconscious" and "unresponsive" in the bathroom of the Midtown Manhattan apartment, the police spokesperson said.

Ruehlemann is survived by his mother Dore Newell and father Achim Ruehlemann, who told DailyMail.com that his son had struggled with addiction to prescription drugs and had, at one point, entered a rehab facility.

"There was no desire to end his life, this was accidental," Achim Ruehlemann said of his son's death. "Obviously, he had some issues with addiction, but he was very happy. He loved life. He was very vibrant, a wonderful soul and a very giving guy."

The model's father confirmed the cause of death a day after the news of his son's passing started to circulate. He told DailyMail.com that the family is still not entirely sure what happened, however, as a death investigation is still ongoing. Police confirmed that the medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.

"Jeremy was such a precious star, loved and cherished by his family," his obit published by Burnett & White Funeral Homes said. "To know Jeremy wasn't just to love him, it was to a little bit in love with him."