Reality star Tyler Duckworth found dead in bathtub at 44: ‘THE CHALLENGE FAM LOST A LEGEND’

Police say they found no immediate signs of trauma or foul play

Published Aug 14, 2026  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  2 minute read

Tyler Duckworth birthday selfie. Photo by @themightyduckworth /Instagram

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Tyler Duckworth, who starred on MTV’s The Challenge, was found dead earlier this week at his North Dakota home. He was 44.

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Duckworth was discovered in his apartment on Tuesday after his downstairs neighbour reported water coming through the ceiling.

A maintenance worker went into Duckworth’s unit and discovered a man in the overflowing bathtub, the Grand Forks Police Department told TMZ.

Officers responded to the scene “for a welfare check involving an unresponsive person,” according to the outlet, who confirmed water was coming from Duckworth’s bathroom, where he was ultimately found.

Cause of death?

Duckworth’s cause of death is “pending the results of an autopsy,” authorities said, adding that a toxicology report was ordered, per TMZ.

Police found no immediate signs of trauma, including gunshot or stab wounds, and do not suspect foul play.

An officer spoke with Tyler’s mother, Joni, during the investigation, but police were unable to verify Duckworth’s medical history.

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Joni confirmed on Thursday that her son had died.

“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” she shared in a Facebook post. “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 gets Real

Duckworth’s introduction to the reality TV world came in 2006 when he starred on The Real World: Key West.

He appeared on The Challenge later that year for the show’s 13th season, returning five more times.

He won the Cutthroat season in 2010 and Rivals the following year.

Duckworth returned to The Challenge for All Stars 2 in 2021 following a 10-year hiatus, and appeared on All Stars 3 in 2022.

Tyler Duckworth arrives at MTV’s Real World Awards Bash at the Sunset Plaza House on March 15, 2008 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Photo by Kevin Winter /Getty Images

Challenge cast members react to Tyler’s death

Duckworth made his final public appearance less than two weeks before his death, at a “Challenge Mania” event in Minneapolis on July 31.

Many Challenge alums took to social media to pay tribute to Duckworth.

Paulie Calafiore, who was also at the Minneapolis event, wrote: “Life is crazy. RIP Mighty Duckworth! You were so vibrant two 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 lost a legend.”

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Susie Meister added: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of my sweet friend, Tyler. He was funny, smart and kind. A true original.”

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Ryan Kehoe called him “irreplaceable,” adding, “I love you brother. Your light and laughter will live on in us all. So many prayers for your family tonight.”

Ace Amerson added: “Tyler was beyond special. He was an ancient soul. And he was one of my favorites I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. Till the next one, my friend.”

A “heartbroken” Melinda Stolp noted that while she is “devastated,” she “can’t help but smile” when she thinks of him.

“I’m so grateful I got to know you, to laugh with you, and to have you as a part of my life,” she added. “You were truly one of a kind and you will be missed more than you know.”

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