‘The Challenge’ star Johnny ‘Bananas’ Devenanzio mourns Tyler Duckworth’s death
“The Challenge” legend Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio shared a heartfelt tribute to Tyler Duckworth after the latter’s tragic sudden death.
Devenanzio, 44, posted an emotional moment between the two on “The Challenge” in which Duckworth tells him he loves him on his Instagram Sunday, followed by him singing Zach Bryan’s hit “Pink Skies” while playing the guitar. As Devenanzio sings, a montage of the two together over the span of 20 years is shown.
“You were more than a friend. More than a roommate,” he wrote. “You were the brother I never had.”
He added, “Rest easy, Tyler. You’ll always be family ❤️ 147:3.”
Psalm 147:3 in the Bible reads, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Fellow “Challenge” star Kendal Darnell commented on the post, “He spoke so highly of you. I’m sure he told you. But he also told others. 💜 Just wanted to share.”
Devenanzio and Duckworth first starred together on “The Real World: Key West,” which aired on MTV in 2006. They then both made multiple appearances on “The Challenge,” and won “The Challenge: Rivals” season together in 2011.
Duckworth’s cause of death is still pending the results of an autopsy and a toxicology report.
According to the Grand Forks Police Department, his body was found in the overflowing bathtub of his North Dakota apartment on Aug. 11, per People.
Prior to making the devastating discovery, cops told the outlet that they had received a report from downstairs neighbors complaining of water coming through the ceiling.
When responding officers arrived on the scene at roughly 11:45 a.m. local time, they determined the water coming through the ceiling was coming from Duckworth’s bathtub, where he was found unresponsive.
Police said it was unclear how long he had been deceased but that he was seen the day before.
They also noted that there did not appear to be any signs of foul play or a suspicious death.
He was 44 years old.
The late reality star’s mom, Joni, shared a heartbreaking statement about her son’s death to People on Friday.
“My Ty-Guy would skip to school when he was little. He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer,” she shared.
“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.”
She concluded, “To all of Tyler’s friends and fans — God bless you for loving my Ty-Guy.”
