UPDATE: West Hollywood’s Brett Shaad brain dead from bacterial meningitis – friends express shock and grief

It was widely reported last night that Brett Shaad had died from bacterial meningitis – just two days after his diagnosis.

Correction: He is brain dead and on life support.

(See previous story about health alert HERE.)

His brother, Brian Shaad, sent this message out earlier today clarifying his status: “Brett remains on life support in the hospital. No conclusions have been drawn regarding when, or how, he may have contracted meningitis. We ask for privacy during this incredibly painful period.”

Brett is a graduate of Boston College and Benjamin N. Cardoza School of Law.

He speaks French and Italian and was working in real estate at KW Commercial as an associate broker.

Friends on his Facebook page earlier this week had been posting hopeful messages of support as he fought for his life in a hospital.

Beginning Friday night, the messages expressed sadness and grief over his reported passing.

Wrote John Lotzer: Brett, you were a great college roommate at Boston College and wonderful friend. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing and learning from you over the past 14 years. Also enjoyed traveling many fun places with you such as: Paris, Chamonix France (skiing), Rome, London, Venice, Naples, Parma, San Francisco, Minnesota, New York, and Key West. I think many of us are losing someone who feels like a member of our family. Words cannot describe today, but I know you’re in a great place now. I have many great memories!

Wrote Tim Brock: In all of the shock and disbelief that we all are having that this random thing could happen to someone that many of us know, I only hope that this beautiful light had a joyful and peaceful transition to the other side and is now released of all these earthly human burdens…smile down Brett!

Wrote Michael Figueiredo: Rest in peace, Brett. I’ve always admired you for living in the now and traveling around the world whenever you could. Your presence always lighted up the room, something I’ll never forget. My condolences go out to your family and close friends.

Wrote Christopher Adam Tobeck: There are no words that can express what so many of us are feeling right now. Just know that we love you and our love goes out to your family. I’m going to miss your devilish smile as we dance the night away or just pass the afternoon bouncing around the beach or down the street. xoxo.