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The Challenge contestant Tyler Duckworth, who first appeared on MTV's Real World: Key West before winning two seasons of the competition spinoff, has died at age 44, his mother shared.
By Marissa Dow Aug 13, 2026 11:55 PM | Updated 1 minute ago
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The Challenge family is in mourning.
Tyler Duckworth, who began his reality TV career on Real World: Key West before going on to win two seasons of the MTV competition series, has died at age 44, his mother Joni Duckworth confirmed.
"My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week," Joni shared on Facebook Aug. 13. "I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out."
She also noted that his cause of death has yet to be determined.
The Grand Forks Police Department told E! News that Tyler was found in a bathroom in his North Dakota apartment. There were no signs of foul play and the death did not appear suspicious. Police are waiting for toxicology results.
While making his TV debut on Real World in 2006, Tyler bonded with castmate Paula Meronek and ignited discourse with fan favorite Johnny Bananas during their season. Tyler would later send Johnny home in the iconic backpack elimination in 2010 on Cutthroat, where he ultimately scored the top prize alongside Brad Fiorenza, Dunbar Merrill and Tori Fiorenza.
Tyler became a champion again while forging a new relationship with Johnny when they won the $100,000 jackpot on Rivals in 2011.
Indeed, the Minneapolis, Minn., native made a lasting impact on his castmates, as Johnny explained in a message following the heartbreaking news of his death. Next to a heart emoji and a duck emoji, Johnny wrote in a tweet, "When it rains it pours."
Challenge all-star Wes Bergmann also expressed his condolences for his friend, highlighting the unique ways Tyler touched his community.
"Tyler was a remarkable man and a great friend to many," Wes penned 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," Wes continued, "Call your friends people."
Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images
Prior to his passing, the teacher spent time with fellow MTV alums at an Aug. 2 Challenge Mania podcast event, hosted by Challenger Derrick Kosinski and comedian Scott Yager.
"So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other challenge legends," Tyler said on Instagram at the time. "The fans are what keep us coming out! Hearing your stories of courage, inspiration & joy that you’ve got being a fan of the franchise is humbling each and every time."
After learning of Tyler's death, Derrick matched sentiments about the group's camaraderie.
"We shared a room on All Stars 2 and he was an amazing human being," Derrick told People. "His passing is so sad. He was always such a bright light and incredible joy to be around. He also kicked my ass in elimination on the original Cutthroat."
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