Harry Brant and brother Peter Brant Jr. were widely regarded as today's Paris and Nicky Hilton socialite equivalent on the New York City scene. Sadly, the Brant family is mourning the loss of Harry at just 24 years old.
The fashion icon and model died of an accidental overdose, parents Stephanie Seymour and Peter Brant revealed in a statement shared with the New York Post.
Stephanie and Peter are committed to being honest about Harry's struggles with addiction. In doing so, they're showing that the young man once regarded as one of New York City's most beautiful teens was more complex than anyone could have imagined.
News of Harry Brant's death has shocked the New York fashion scene. The 24-year-old model and trendsetter, son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and billionaire businessman Peter Brant, died of an accidental drug overdose, his family confirmed in a statement to the New York Post.
"It is with enormous sorrow that we share with you the news that our beloved son, Harry Brant, lost his battle with addiction and died due to an accidental overdose of prescription medication," the statement read.
"Our hearts are shattered," the statement continued.
"Harry wanted to overcome his addiction and was just days away from re-entering rehab. We will forever be saddened that Harry’s life was cut short by this devastating disease."
For the close-knit family, the loss is especially devastating. Harry and older brother Peter Jr. were regarded on the New York social scene as today's male Paris and Nicky Hilton.
The family's statement continued, "We ask that you please allow our family privacy as we attempt to cope with the loss of our beautiful, beautiful boy."
The son of one of the original supermodels and a publishing and business magnate, Harry stood out from the very beginning. He grew up on the family's 3,000-acre estate in Greenwich, Connecticut.
"Harry loved fashion and was a trailblazer of beauty and cosmetic products for men – collaborating with a major brand on a unisex cosmetic line," his family said.
"He achieved a lot in his 24 years, but we will never get the chance to see how much more Harry could have done."
Harry struggled despite the privileged life he was born into. He was arrested on larceny and drug charges after being caught with a white substance later identified as drugs when he skipped out on a cab fare. He also made threatening comments online about then-President Barack Obama.
Harry was also one of Stephanie's two sons involved in a controversial Harper's Bazaar photo shoot in 2014 that many deemed inappropriate. In the interview, Stephanie spoke so fondly of Harry.
"Harry first wanted to be a baker, then a hairstylist, and then a makeup artist — all before the age of seven," she said. Later, she added she wasn't worried about her boys.
"As long as they're happy, they will find their way. Look at everything fashion has given me."
