Carrie Ann Inaba reacts to the death of DWTS graduate Aaron Carter

Carrie Ann Inaba will never forget the “bright light” that Aaron Carter brought to the ballroom “Dancing With the Stars”.

The judge of a series of dance competitions thought about late singer time on the show in an interview with Page Six via Zoom on Monday night.

“AND [ would] I actually think about Aaron Carter a lot. I’ve always wondered how he’s doing. He was very open about his personal struggles throughout his life, “said Inaba, 54, of Carter, who died Saturday at 34.

“When he played in Dancing with the Stars, he was one of the brightest lights. He was one of the people who always came by [up to me] behind the scenes – whether the rules apply or not. For example, you weren’t supposed to talk to the judges, and he wouldn’t let it stop him.

Inaba added that Carter was “always effusive” and “always tried to connect” with people.

“I will always remember Aaron as that beautiful heart and light, and I wish him only [to have] eternal peace, ”she said. “My heart, my prayers and all my thoughts go to his family because this is a great loss for all of us.”

Carter competed in season 9 “DWTS” with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff in 2009. They both finished fifth, with singer Donny Osmond and partner Kym Johnson taking home the mirror ball this season.

Aaron’s Party singer’s older brother Nick Carter, a member of the Backstreet Boys, later followed suit by competing on the 2015 show. Nick and his professional partner Sharna Burgess took second place – Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough took first place. win.

As previously reported, Aaron – who welcomed one child, son of Prince, with ex-fiancée Melanie Martin last November – was found dead in the bathtub of his home in Lancaster, California on November 5. The official cause of death has not yet been disclosed. to be released.

“It is with great regret to confirm that Aaron Carter did not respond to his Palmdale, California home that day,” his representative, Page Six, said Saturday. “The family has been notified and is flying to Los Angeles. Aaron worked very hard towards the end of his life to be a good father and reconcile with his family. “

In a separate statement, 42-year-old Nick said he was “broken” over his brother’s death, despite their complicated relationship over the years.

“My love for him has never waned. I always hoped that one day he would want to follow a healthy path and finally find the help he so desperately needed, ”he wrote in part, referring to Aaron’s history of addiction and struggle with mental health. “Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for the loss, but the truth is, addiction and mental illness are the real villain here.”

He added: “I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have a peace that you will never find here on earth … God, please take care of my little brother. “

Since then, many celebrities have paid tribute to the former teenage heartbreaker via social media, including ex-girlfriend Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan, his twin sister Angel Carter and his ex-partner “DWTS”.

RIP @aaroncarter So young! It’s heartbreaking! “, Smirnoff, 44, wrote in the post shared on Instagram on Monday. “You always made people smile. Rest in peace my friend! You will be missed. “

Johnson, 46, added in the comments: “Very sad, what a sweet soul. You were so amazing with him and created the best routines for people to see his bright light. Aaron’s Response ”.

Dancing With the Stars will air on Mondays at 8:00 PM EST and 5:00 PM PT on the Disney + Channel.