Challenge Star Tyler Duckworth Remembered After Passing at 44

The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth has been laid to rest after his unexpected passing at the age of 44.

A memorial service for the former MTV reality star took place on Saturday, August 22, at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Challenge star Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio shared memories from the memorial on his Instagram Story, including a photo of a program that celebrated Tyler’s life, featuring a quote from Philippians 4:6-7.

The quote stated, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Tyler’s mother, Joni, revealed on August 13 that her son had recently passed away due to undetermined causes.

“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” Joni posted on Facebook at that time. “The cause of death has yet to be determined. I will update on Facebook regarding services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”

The Grand Forks Police Department later provided more details regarding Tyler’s death, informing People that he was discovered unresponsive in his apartment on August 11 after neighbors reported water leaking through the ceiling.

The cause of death for the Real World: Key West star is still “pending the results of an autopsy,” according to law enforcement. A spokesperson from the North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that the investigation into Tyler’s death “will take at least 90 days for the full investigation to be completed.”

In the same week, Joni provided a longer statement to People, reflecting on her son’s career as a world history teacher.

“My Ty-Guy would skip to school as a child,” Joni shared. “He has now moved on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer.”

She continued, “Tyler discovered his passion for teaching, and he excelled at it. I know his students adored him. He taught world history. He was passionate about history and geography, and during his travels around the world, I’m sure he imparted many insights to his students.”

Outside of the classroom, Tyler became a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ contestants on MTV’s The Challenge, winning the Cutthroat and Rivals seasons in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He also participated in other Challenge seasons such as The Duel, The Gauntlet III, All Stars 2, and All Stars 3.

The Challenge community united in mourning Tyler following the news of his passing.

“You were more than a friend. More than a roommate. You were the brother I never had,” Challenge alum Devenanzio, 44, wrote on Instagram on August 14. “Rest easy, Tyler. You’ll always be family.”

Brad Fiorenza expressed that he was “absolutely heartbroken” over the loss of such a cherished member of the Challenge family.

“We shared something special being part of The Challenge family,” Fiorenza, 45, wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for the memories we created, especially at this last event just a couple weeks ago. Tyler will be deeply missed by so many. May his beautiful soul continue to live on in the lives he’s touched. RIP my dear friend.”