MTV’s “The Challenge” champion Tyler Duckworth has died at age of 44, his mother confirmed on social media Thursday, Aug. 13.
“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” Joni Duckworth wrote on Facebook. “I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”
His cause of death has not yet been determined, she said. The U.S. Sun was first to report the news.
Grand Forks police were dispatched to Duckworth’s residence around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, after a neighbor reported water leaking through the ceiling from his apartment, authorities confirmed to People.
Officers found Duckworth dead in his bathroom, police told the outlet. Authorities said there were no apparent signs of foul play or a suspicious death, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Duckworth’s cause of death is pending an autopsy, according to police. A toxicology report is also being conducted. Authorities told People it was unclear how long Duckworth had been dead, though he had reportedly been seen the previous day.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for “The Challenge” and Grand Forks police for comment
The two-time champion of the reality competition series had recently attended “The Challenge Mania” event in Minneapolis on July 31, where he reunited with fellow alums Rachel Robinson, Tina Barta, Brad Fiorenza and others.
“@challengemaniapodcast always knows how to bring the BEST of the BEST together!!” he wrote on Instagram. “So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other challenge legends. 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.”
Before entering the reality TV world, Duckworth graduated from Tufts University, where he studied comparative religion and was a member of the men’s swimming team.
He made his “Challenge” debut in 2006 on Season 13, “The Duel,” and returned for five more seasons. Duckworth became a two-time champion with back-to-back victories, winning on his third appearance in Season 20, “Cutthroat,” and returning to win Season 21, “Rivals,” the following year.
‘The Challenge’ community mourns Tyler Duckworth’s death
Following the announcement of Duckworth’s death, several former contestants from “The Challenge” have posted tributes online honoring Duckworth.
“RIP my brother,” Fiorenza, who competed on several seasons with Duckworth, wrote on his Instagram story Aug. 13. “May your soul live on in the hearts you touched.”
Robinson wrote: “May your memory be a blessing for us all. We love you.”
Barta shared a photo on Instagram of the two at a Los Angeles reunion for “The Challenge: All Stars,” on which they were both competitors. “I can’t tell you how much I loved this man,” she wrote in the post’s caption.
“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. @themightyduckworth you are one of those special people. A true friend and confidant.” she wrote in a separate post. “Today, I’m thinking about the laughs, the ridiculous moments, the conversations, the adventures, and all of those little memories that suddenly feel so much bigger.”
“Challenge” alum Wes Bergmann took to X to write, “Tyler was a remarkable man and a great friend to many. 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.”
Scott Yager, host of the “Challenge Mania” podcast,” also shared a tribute on X in which he thanked Duckworth for attending the community event in Minneapolis on July 31.
“His appearance was a welcomed surprise to the crowd and cast alike that he and I coordinated just a few days prior. Like he did every day, he put a smile on everyone’s face and lit up the room with his infectious energy and incredible stories,” Yager wrote. “We loved him very much and he will be greatly missed by the whole Challenge fandom and community around the world. He was truly one of a kind. Rest in Peace.”