Ryan Knight, a former star on MTV show “Real World: New Orleans,” has been found dead at a friend’s home in Wisconsin after complaining about stomach issues, police said on Friday. He was 28.
Knight, who starred in the MTV reality series in 2010, was found unconscious and not breathing by a friend early on Thursday in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the city’s police department said in a statement. Knight’s father is a retired police officer in Kenosha.
The statement added that there were “no obvious signs of injuries” to Knight, and that an autopsy on Friday did not find “any anatomical cause of death.”
The Real World family has lost another member. Reactions here. Our thoughts are with Ryan Knight's family and friends
— MTV (@MTV) November 28, 2014
Kenosha police said Knight had made complaints about stomach issues in the two days prior to his death, and the cause may be accidental or medical, depending on toxicology results.
MTV said in a statement, “We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ryan Knight.” The network remembered Knight, who also starred in MTV’s “The Challenge,” “for his candor and blunt sense of humor.”
The news comes barely two weeks after fellow MTV reality star Diem Brown died at the age of 32 after losing a battle against ovarian cancer. Brown and Knight appeared on “The Challenge” together and Knight posted a heartfelt tribute to her on Twitter the day before her funeral.
A funeral for an Angel tomorrow. She'll fly the highest and shine the brightest. And without a doubt she'll be dancing over us. Love Ya DB
— Knight (@Knight_MTV) November 18, 2014
“Real World” and “The Challenge” alumni have taken to Twitter to mourn the loss of Knight since news broke.
Im so saddened to lose @Knight_MTV my bunk mate, my friend I could call anytime of the night to cry too… #imsocrushed prayers w/urfam
— Jasmine Reynaud (@JazMTV) November 27, 2014
You lived your life in the fast lane, and your smile was contagious. My bunkmate, my buddy. Rest easy pal, I'll miss you. @Knight_MTV
— ZachMTV (@ZachMTV) November 27, 2014
I'll never forget all the laughter & good times we shared. Always in my heart #RIP Knight ¿¿
— Nany Carmen González (@NanyMTV) November 27, 2014
I don't understand what's happening lately but @Knight_MTV you will be dearly missed my man rest easy well play hockey together in heaven !!
— JohnnyReilly™ (@JohnnyReilly_) November 27, 2014
