‘The Challenge‘ fandom is reeling following the news that two-time champ Tyler Duckworth has died.
The Sun broke the news on Thursday that Tyler— who got his reality TV start on ‘The Real World: Key West’ in 2006– was discovered unresponsive in his bathroom and died on Tuesday in North Dakota. He was only 44 years old.
The site reports that Tyler’s case is classified as an “unattended death,” meaning that there were no witnesses on the scene.
Tyler’s mother Jodi confirmed the sad news on Thursday, writing about Tyler’s death on her Facebook page.
“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” Jodi wrote. “Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”
Tyler is a two-time champion of ‘The Challenge.’ He first appeared on “The Duel” in 2006 and returned for “The Gauntlet III” season in 2008. In 2010, he appeared on the “Cutthroat” season, which he won alongside three other players. He returned for the next season— “Rivals”— where he once again took home a win, this time alongside Johnny Bananas.
View this post on Instagram
Despite not appearing on “The Challenge” since 2021, Tyler has been active in the ‘Challenge’ fan space, often appearing on ‘Challenge’ podcasts and at fan events. On August 2, he attended a “Challenge Mania” event in his hometown of Minneapolis, alongside show vets like Mark Long and Brad Fiorenza. He posted about the event on Instagram, writing, ““So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other challenge legends.”
View this post on Instagram
According to The Sun, Tyler reportedly underwent surgery, but it’s currently unknown if the procedure had anything to do with his tragic death.
At the time of his death, Tyler was living in North Dakota and working as a teacher.
Stars of ‘The Challenge’ took to social media after the news broke to pay tribute to Tyler.
“Tyler was a remarkable man and a great friend to many,” Wes Bergmann wrote on X. “He made fantastic television. He was a great challenger. He was a very good swimmer. And eater. This is a really tough loss. Call your friends people.”
Tina Barta— who attended the “Challenge Mania” event with Tyler on August 2— posted to Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
“Some friendships are measured in years. Others are measured in memories, laughter, shared experiences, and the way someone makes you feel when they are in the room,” she wrote. “@themightyduckworth you are one of those special people. A true friend and confidant.
“It’s hard to find the right words when someone who was part of such a meaningful chapter of your life is suddenly gone. We shared an experience that very few people will ever fully understand, and somewhere along the way, it became more than a show or an adventure. It became friendship. It became history. It became family. How blessed am I to be surprised by your visit to Challenge Mania where I got to hug and kiss you one last time. We didn’t want to leave each other. We never do. I love you…
“Getting older teaches you something I wish we understood when we were younger: we always think there will be more time. Another conversation. Another reunion. Another chance to say, ‘Remember when…?’ Until there isn’t. So tell your people you love them. Reach out to the friend you’ve been meaning to call. Forgive what doesn’t matter. Hold onto the memories that do. Tyler, thank you for being part of my story. I’m grateful our paths crossed in this crazy life and that I get to carry those memories with me. Rest peacefully, my darling friend.”
Paulie Calafiore— who also attended the event on August 2— posted a tribute to Tyler on Instagram as well.
View this post on Instagram
“Life is crazy. RIP Mighty Duckworth!” he wrote. “You were so vibrant 2 weeks ago, it’s so wild to imagine your vibrant energy no longer here. Sending prayers and love to your family and friends. The Challenge fam has lost a legend!”
UPDATE:
New details about Tyler’s death were revealed on Friday. According to People, the MTV star was found dead in his apartment in North Dakota after his downstairs neighbor called 911 to report that water was seeping through their ceiling and coming from Tyler’s apartment. When cops entered Tyler’s apartment, they found that the source of the water was Tyler’s bathtub, which is the location his body was found.
While his exact time of death is still unknown, People reports that Tyler had been seen on Monday— one day before he was found deceased.
“Officers also noted that there didn’t appear to be any signs of foul play or a suspicious death,” the magazine reported.
An autopsy and toxicology report will be done to determine Tyler’s cause of death, but those results may not be back for several months.
On Friday, Tyler’s mother Joni paid tribute to him.
“He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer,” she told the magazine. “Tyler found his passion in teaching and he was good at it. I understand his students loved him. He taught world history. He loved history and geography and as he had traveled the world over I am sure he brought many insights to his students. To all of Tyler’s friends and fans — God bless you for loving my Ty-Guy.”
(Photos: MTV; Instagram)
[…] Devenanzio– gathered Saturday to say their goodbyes to ‘The Challenge’ star, who died August 11 at the age of […]
RIH Tyler. Love to his mother and students, along with the rest of his friends and family. We loved him in my house from the minute I saw him on The Real World because he was so real. An authentic person is an even harder loss. Bless.
As far as I know, he was the only person who tolerated Bananas (this might be due to the fact he was on the same Real World season). I loved seeing Tyler, he was always the funny one and entertaining. Rest in Peace, dude.
Oh wow I just spent the summer watching challenge seasons. So sad