Justin Bieber Lookalike and ‘Botched’ Star Tobias Strebel Found Dead in LA

“Tobias was a kind, caring, and gentle soul that was dedicated and​ ​passionate to his music and career,” Strebel’s manager tells TheWrap

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Tobias Strebel, the 35-year-old who spent more than $100,000 to look like Justin Bieber, has been found dead after he was reported missing on August 18, his manager confirmed to TheWrap Wednesday.

“I am beyond devastated to hear the news about Tobias. Tobias was a kind, caring, and gentle soul that was dedicated and​ ​passionate to his music and career,” Hollywood manager Gina Rodriguez said. “For all the slings and arrows put​ ​forth against him, he always held his head high, treated everyone with​ ​respect, and had a warmth and glow to him that made anyone around him​ ​smile.”

“​I was fortunate to have known Tobias and have had the chance to work with him in his entertainment career over the past couple years. My condolences go out to his family, ​” Rodriguez continued.

Strebel’s body was found in a Motel 6 in the North Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on August 21, the L.A. County coroner’s office told “Entertainment Tonight.” However, his death was not reported to the media until Wednesday, August 26.

It was unclear how he died.

Strebel also went by the name Toby Sheldon and was featured on the E! plastic surgery reality series “Botched” in 2014. During an appearance on the show, he explained what inspired him to alter his appearance and emulate the singing sensation.

“What brought me to Bieber was the whole package: the full cheeks, the full temples, the bright open eyes, the full luscious lips, and spatial framing…[he’s] just extraordinarily beautiful,” he said on the show.

Strebel was an aspiring singer from Germany. During an interview with E!’s Maria Menounos, he said he wasn’t completely happy with his Bieber-like appearance. “I would say I’m like 80 percent happy,” he admitted. “I do think I can be one hundred percent happy if I just invest more time, effort and money into the face. I’m addicted to plastic surgery.”

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