What happened to Bachelorette star Michael Allio’s wife?

MICHAEL Allio was among the final four contestants on Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette.

Allio's love life was struck with tragedy in 2019 after his wife passed away, leaving him a single parent to their son.

What happened to Bachelorette star Michael Allio's wife?

Michael Allio's wife, Laura Ritter-Allio, passed away from cancer in 2019 at the age of 33.

Allio and Ritter-Allio met while they were students at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. After meeting, the couple got married in 2012.

After a few years of marriage, the couple welcomed their son, James Michael, on September 9, 2016. 

Less than a year after their son's birth, Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2017.

“It’s been really scary. It’s been heartbreaking. But I think it’s really important that we talk about this — because I’m 32. And I never thought it could happen to me,” Ritter-Allio said in a video documenting her journey.

Philanthropy was always a passion of Ritta-Allio's and when she was diagnosed with cancer, she gathered a following to share.

Allio's sister created a to support the family through their cancer journey with a fundraising goal of $25k - the page received over $73k in donations.

What is the L4 Project?

Allio and his wife were "committed to creating a purpose to their pain," and a month after she passed, he created to continue her legacy.

The L4 Project page explains: "The courage, determination, and selflessness that Laura demonstrated throughout her life and during her cancer journey inspired thousands to look inward, gain perspective and make the drastic changes necessary to live a 'life worth living.'"

"The L4 Project seeks to continue her great work by ensuring that these noble organizations are given the financial resources need to carry out their important work," the website states.

Their website has apparel for sale and 100% of the profits go towards nonprofit organizations that address the needs and help the lives of those fighting cancer.

Since his appearance on the show, the L4 Project has grown.

"If you're waiting for your order, please know we're not Amazon," Michael said on Instagram. "We're just a small group of dedicated volunteers that have a personal and emotional connection to Laura and this project.

"We're going to get it out to you soon, I promise. All this money will go toward supporting amazing causes and people that need it. I'm floored by how wonderful people can be."

Was Michael Allio eliminated from The Bachelorette season?

During the July 26 episode, Michael sent himself home to be with his son, leaving the other three men fighting for Thurston's hand.