Tyler Duckworth’s friends and former co-stars from “The Challenge” are remembering the two-time champion following his unexpected death at age 44.
Duckworth’s mother, Joni Duckworth, confirmed the news in an Aug. 13 Facebook post. She said the cause of death had not yet been determined.
“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week. Cause of death has yet to be determined,” she wrote. “I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”
The news came less than two weeks after Duckworth attended a “Challenge Mania” event in his hometown of Minneapolis. In what became his final Instagram post, Duckworth reflected on meeting fans and spending time with other veterans of the MTV franchise.
“So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other ‘Challenge’ legends,” he wrote on Aug. 2. “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.”
Tyler Duckworth’s ‘Challenge’ Co-Stars Remember a ‘Bright Light’
Derrick Kosinski, who shared a room with Duckworth while filming “The Challenge: All Stars 2,” remembered his former co-star in a statement to People.
“We shared a room on ‘All Stars 2’ and he was an amazing human being. His passing is so sad,” Kosinski said. “He was always such a bright light and incredible joy to be around. He also kicked my ass in elimination on the original ‘Cutthroat.’ And that was after he eliminated Johnny Bananas in the famous Bananas backpack elimination, ‘Back Up Off Me.’ He went toe to toe with CT for 40 minutes! He doesn’t get his flowers often enough for that. And he won that season. And then won again with Johnny on ‘Rivals.’”
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio offered a brief tribute on X, writing, “When it rains it pours💔🦆.”
Brad Fiorenza shared a longer remembrance on Instagram, noting that he had been with Duckworth at the “Challenge Mania” event just weeks earlier.
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Tyler. We shared something special being part of ‘The Challenge’ family,” Fiorenza wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for the memories we shared; especially at this last event just a couple weeks ago. Tyler will be deeply missed by so many. May his amazing soul live on in the lives he’s touched. RIP my dear friend.”
Three-time champion Rachel Robinson also remembered Duckworth on her Instagram Story.
“May your memory be a blessing for us all,” Robinson wrote. “We love you @TheMightyDuckworth.”
Jemmye Carroll Calls Duckworth ‘Truly One of the Good Ones’
Several other “Challenge” veterans shared memories that focused on Duckworth’s personality and friendships away from competition.
Tina Barta described him as a close friend and confidant in an Instagram tribute.
“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,” Barta wrote. “@themightyduckworth you are one of those special people. A true friend and confidant.”
She added, “Tyler, thank you for being part of my story. I’m grateful our paths crossed in this crazy life and that I get to carry those memories with me. Rest peacefully, my darling friend.”
Katie Cooley remembered Duckworth for his sense of humor.
“Heartbroken to hear about Tyler. He was so funny always making everyone laugh, and sweating profusely for absolutely no reason,” Cooley wrote on Facebook. “He was truly one of a kind. Sending love to everyone who knew him. Rest easy, friend.”
Wes Bergmann also paid tribute on X.
“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,” Bergmann wrote. “This is a really tough loss. Call your friends people.”
Jemmye Carroll recalled how Duckworth welcomed her and the late Ryan Knight into the extended “Challenge” family after they finished filming their season of “The Real World.”
“Completely heartbroken over the unexpected loss of Tyler,” Carroll wrote on X. “He was the first ‘Real World’ alum Knight & I hung out with after filming our season, before it even aired. He was the one who officially welcomed us to this family. A TV icon, ‘Challenge’ beast, and truly one of the good ones.”
Tyler Duckworth Won ‘The Challenge’ ‘Cutthroat’ and ‘Rivals’
Viewers first met Duckworth on MTV’s “The Real World: Key West” in 2006 after he graduated from Tufts University.
He later competed on six seasons of “The Challenge”: “The Duel,” “The Gauntlet III,” “Cutthroat,” “Rivals,” “All Stars 2” and “All Stars 3.”
Duckworth became a two-time champion after winning “Cutthroat” and returning to win “Rivals” alongside Devenanzio.
