Alex Constantine - April 2, 2023
Jeff Thomas
Peter Thiel shared a romantic relationship with a model and influencer who recently died of a suspected suicide, The Intercept reported Thursday. Jeff Thomas told the publication in an interview before he died that he felt “kept” thanks to the expensive home and cars Thiel purchased for him, but that the situation ultimately made him uncomfortable. There is no evidence that Thiel was involved in Thomas’ March 8 death—though Miami Police plan to interview the technology mogul as part of their investigation, two department sources told The Intercept. Thomas and Thiel struck up their relationship in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas told the outlet, despite the fact that Thiel was married.
FROM THE DAILY MAIL
Male model Jeff Thomas may have died after falling off Miami tower while taking a SELFIE, his agent claims: Brother says sibling's death came after addiction and mental health issues
- Thomas' Los Angeles agent claims his death may have been accidental
- The pair were texting 24 hours before he died she said he sounded 'happy'
- Thomas died on March 8 in an apparent suicide although an official cause of death has not yet been established
'I just can't believe it's true that he intentionally did this. He may have fallen while he was taking a selfie,' she said.
She said the last time they spoke was on Tuesday - less than 24 hours before before his shock death - the pair had been exchanging text messages and joking regarding an upcoming audition.
They had scheduled phone call on Friday to catch up. 'He couldn't wait to tell me about his move to Miami. He seemed thrilled and was proud of himself. He was happy, motivated and excited for his next step just loving life.'
She added, 'I am so stunned. He was such a beautiful and sweet boy.'
Her claim is contrary to a Facebook post shared by Thomas' brother Skylar Ray Thomas, which implied the death was the result of suicide after he battled addiction and mental health issues.
Thomas' cousin Meghan Rae disputed the suicide claim to DailyMail.com earlier this week, although police are currently working under the assumption that Thomas did take his own life.
Skylar wrote: 'Dear friends and family,
'It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of my brother, Jeff on Wednesday, March 8th.
'As you have followed through the years, Jeff traveled the world and lived life to the fullest. What you may not know, is Jeff struggled with addiction and mental health challenges, which ultimately led to his tragic passing.'
The luxury high-rise building where Thomas reportedly fell from on March 8th in Miami's Brickell Avenue neighborhood. The waterfront condo features 57-floors and is situate on the bay with stunning views of the Miami River and is in close proximity to downtown Miami.
The post went on to describe Jeff's struggle as 'difficult,' but paid tribute to his 'sense of humor, love for music, art and family.'
Skylar went on to urge anyone else battling similar issues to seek help.
Thomas died on March 8, after being found dead at the bottom of his apartment complex. The police are investigating his death as a possible suicide, but Jeff's cousin Meghan Rae insisted to DailyMail.com that he did not take his own life.
She said: 'This was not a suicide. To report otherwise is a complete disregard to his character and who he was,' she said.
'The information being published is false and defamatory. No further comments will be made by our family. Please respect our privacy and his memory during this difficult time.'
Thomas was a successful model with 120,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly posted photos of his impressive physique in a range of envy-inducing locales.
He lived in a 57-floor tower on Miami's Brickell Avenue located near the trendy downtown Miami area.
Thomas' agent said her late client was a humble man who did not take himself too seriously, and who had a great sense of humor.
During their text exchange a day before he died, she said they were having a laugh.
'We were talking about a funny audition that I had for him that involved some type of petty fight. We laughed about it and he told me how he is a comedian at heart, she said.
She said on Friday when they were supposed to speak on the phone he was planning to tell her about the next chapter in his life.
'He had started a new business - though I didn't know what it was yet.'
She added, 'I am just stunned. I don't even know how to react.'
