Former Olympian Ian Thorpe's ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing dies suddenly aged 32

Ian Thorpe's ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing has died suddenly at the age of 32.

Ryan's family have confirmed they are "seeking answers" after the successful businessman passed away in Bali.

Perth-born model, lawyer and skincare owner Ryan was rushed to a local hospital on Sunday, where he died.

He lived in Australia, but regularly flew to Bali and Los Angeles for work.

Ryan's heartbroken younger brother Jake confirmed the news of his death in an emotional tribute to his sibling on Wednesday.

He penned: "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."

Ryan Channing has sadly died at the age of 32 (Instagram)

He was a successful businessman (Instagram)

Jake revealed the family are trying to "seek answers" over his death, as well as come to terms with the shock news.

He continued: "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."

Jake concluded: "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 also penned a tear-jerking tribute on social media.

Jake (left) confirmed the tragic loss of his older brother (right) on social media (Instagram)

She began: "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."

Charis added: "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."

Following the tragic news, a friend told News Corp that Ryan had been "battling health issues" for some time.

The close friend said: "Everyone is distraught. It is just so sad and everyone is shocked."

Ryan's family are 'seeking answers' over his death (Instagram)

Ian is yet to speak out about the devastating loss of his former partner - who he dated on and off for four years until they split for good in 2019.

Ryan appeared to be battling Covid in the days before his sudden death.

His last Instagram post was a photo from Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital - eight weeks ago - after testing positive.

He told his followers: "Covid got me GEWD (good)."

However, it's not clear whether the virus or its after effects played any role in his sudden death.