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'The Bachelorette' 2022: Hometown dates episode pays homage to Erich Schwer's dad, fans say 'cancer sucks'

In an Instagram post from July, Erich spoke about his father, known fondly as Big Al, who passed away before the season could air

BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY: Season 19 of 'The Bachelorette' has proven to be quite the rollercoaster so far, with constant twists and turns taking place. But it looks like now, the series is quickly coming to a close, as the much-awaited hometowns segment approaches.

So far, fans thought that Nate and Gabby had the potential to be end-game, seeing that they had chemistry and a great connection. However, Gabby decided to send Nate home, seeing that being engaged to him at the end of the journey meant that she would have to take on a parental role, as he has a daughter. For Gabby, she didn't think that she was ready for it, seeing that for own relationship with her mother is strained. With Nate sent home and Logan getting eliminated on account of contracting COVID-19, the men going into hometowns with Gabby are Erich, Jason and Johnny. Here's what you need to know about Erich's family!

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Who are Erich's parents?

With hometowns fast approaching, Gabby will have the chance to meet with Erich's family. Erich's parents are Allan and Donna Schwer and he also has a sister. Unfortunately, Erich's father, Big Al, as Erich refers to him on social media, passed away on July 6 at the age of 65. This was just days before 'The Bachelorette' premiere, as reported by Heavy. Erich has shared a few images of his father on his Instagram, to honour his memory. One of the posts read -- "Thankful for everything you’ve done for me. We are gonna miss the hell out of you Big AL. I love you so much dad."

While Gabby met Erich's family for the first time, Erich has already met one of the most important men in Gabby's life -- Grandpa John. During Erich's first one-on-one date with Gabby, they were joined by none other than Grandpa John, who got along with Erich quite effortlessly. Although Gabby has a strained relationship with her mother, she had been candid about the fact that she is extremely close to her father and her grandfather. During her own hometown date back on Clayton's season, her father made a brief appearance, seeing that he contracted COVID-19 at the time and couldn't be a part of the meeting. However, he did drive by and held up a series of signs letting Gabby know that he supported and loved her. With Erich making it to the alleged top two, the couple's connection is sure to grow stronger after hometowns. 

Seeing that Erich's father was a part of the hometowns, the franchise dedicated the episode to him. Fans were emotional upon learning that Erich's father had passed away and took to Twitter to express their love and support. "Prayers and love sending to Erich. #TheBachelorette" tweeted a fan. "How completely raw everyone is tonight. Holy cow!!! Yep, I’m crying!! Erich’s family is a heartwarming reminder that we need to cherish our loved ones. I love how genuine Gabby is, she truly is beautiful inside and out. @BacheloretteABC" said a fan. "Sending all kinds of love to Erich’s family. Cancer sucks and losing your dad is so hard. #thebachelorette" added another. "Oh man my heart is broken for Erich's family. You can see how badly his Mom is hurting #TheBachelorette" tweeted a fan. 

Catch 'The Bachelorette' on Mondays at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC. If you can also watch the show via your local ABC affiliate. 

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