The reality TV world said goodbye to several stars in 2025, leaving fans mourning familiar faces who once shared their lives on screen. From competition series to unscripted docuseries, these personalities connected with audiences through vulnerability, humor, and honesty. Their stories continue to resonate long after their passing.
Rolling Ray (Raymond Harper)
Rolling Ray, the influencer and reality television personality known for his viral videos and outsized online presence, passed away at 28. The Zeus Network, where Ray appeared on multiple shows, honored him with a tribute on Thursday, writing, “Gone way too soon. Your Laughter, Light, & Loving Spirit will Live on FOREVER!”
His mother shared the devastating news in an emotional Facebook post.
“It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I let you know that my son Ray Ray (@Iamrollingray) has gone home to be with the Lord,” she wrote. “I thank everyone who has called or texted. This is going to be a long road.”
Born Raymond Harper, Ray was just days away from his 29th birthday. The Washington, D.C.–based creator built a large following across Instagram and TikTok through bold commentary on relationships, lifestyle, and pop culture.
Ray often described himself as “the most famous boy inna wheelchair,” first gaining attention for his outspoken, comedic online skits.
He later appeared on MTV’s “Catfish: Trolls,” “Divorce Court,” and the LGBTQ+ dating series “Bobby I Love You, Purrr.”
Beyond television, Ray became a recognizable figure in Washington’s music and activist communities, frequently performing during Black Lives Matter protests and embracing his disability as a powerful and defining part of his public identity.
Phil Robertson
“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson died at 79, his family announced on May 25, months after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The diagnosis was first revealed on December 6, 2024, during an episode of the podcast “Unashamed with the Robertson Family,” where his son Jase Robertson said Phil was in the “early stages” of the disease.
In the months that followed, his condition progressed rapidly, with Jase later sharing that his father was “just not doing well” and “really struggling.”
Lynn Ban
Lynn Ban, a standout star of “Bling Empire: New York,” died January 20, 2025, at 52, following complications from injuries she sustained in a skiing accident.
Her death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow cast members who remembered her bold style and magnetic presence.
Joshua Allen
Joshua Allen, the Season 4 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance,” has died at 36. According to a report by TMZ, Allen’s family confirmed he passed away on September 30 and asked fans for “privacy and prayers” as they grieve the loss of the beloved dancer, whose talent and passion left a lasting mark on the dance community.
Donyelle Denise Wilson
Donyelle Denise Wilson, also known as Donyelle Jones, who appeared on Season 2 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” has died at 46 following a battle with cancer.
News of her passing was shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, December 2. “Today at 8:34 am, Donyelle Denise Wilson transitioned. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend,” the post read. “And a warrior who kicked cancer’s ass every single day she was here.”
Kelsey Bateman
Kelsey Bateman, who appeared as a contestant on Bret Michaels’ VH1 dating series “Rock of Love,” has died, TMZ reported. She was 39.
According to the outlet, a family source said Bateman “passed away unexpectedly recently.”
However, a few days after her death, TMZ reported on September 26 that a St. George police report revealed she was found deceased inside a bedroom of her Utah apartment “with several prescription pill bottles nearby.”
“Rock of Love,” which aired from 2007 to 2009, followed Michaels as a group of women competed for a chance at a relationship with the Poison frontman. The reality series ran for three seasons and 40 episodes, with contestants facing weekly challenges and eliminations.
Bateman competed during the show’s third season, making it to the final nine before being eliminated in the seventh episode. She was 21 years old at the time of her appearance.
Season one was won by Jes Rickleff, who later revealed at the reunion that she did not have romantic feelings for Michaels. Season two winner Ambre Lake briefly dated the rocker before they split. Taya Parker won the third and final season.
Bateman’s death has prompted an outpouring of sadness among fans of the series, many of whom remember her from the show’s later seasons.
Kirk Medas
On May 3rd, it was reported that “Floribama Shore” star Kirk Medas was in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. His former castmate Nilsa Prowant shared an update about Medas on her Instagram, saying that he’s been in the ICU fighting necrotizing pancreatitis.
Sadly, Deadline later confirmed that Medas has died.
“Floribama Shore” executive producer SallyAnn Salsano and production company 495 Productions shared a statement with TMZ, saying, “We are heartbroken over the passing of Kirk Medas, a beloved member of our Floribama Shore family. Kirk brought light, laughter, and loyalty to every moment—both on screen and off. He was more than a cast member; he was family.”
Prowant had previously disclosed that Medas was battling necrotizing pancreatitis, a serious condition in which part of the pancreas dies due to inflammation or injury, according to Cedars-Sinai.
‘Meet the Putnams’ Cast Members
Three members of the Putman family, known for their appearances on TLC’s “Meet the Putmans,” passed away following a tragic car accident that also left several relatives hospitalized. In an emotional Instagram post shared Saturday, September 27, family member Isabelle confirmed that “Papa” Bill Putman, Neenee, and Aunt Megan were among those who lost their lives.
She also shared that Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia were injured in the crash and remain under medical care as they continue to recover.
Chef Anne Burrell
Anne Burrell, the spunky chef and television personality known for her decades-long presence on the Food Network, passed away on June 17 at her home in New York. She was 55.
Five weeks after her death, Burrell’s cause of death was confirmed. The celebrity chef died by suicide, People reported.
In a statement published by People following her death, Burrell’s family described her as “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend,” adding that “her smile lit up every room she entered.”
The statement continued, “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she was no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remained eternal.”
According to The New York Times, Burrell was found unresponsive in the shower and was surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills. The report cited an internal New York Police Department document reviewed on June 20.
Burrell built a devoted following through her work on the Food Network, where she was known for her bold personality, culinary expertise, and passion for mentoring aspiring chefs.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
