The Challenge’s Tyler Duckworth found dead at home: Here’s what we know

Tyler Duckworth, a two-time champion of MTV’s The Challenge, has died at the age of 44.

The reality television star was found dead inside his bathroom in North Dakota on Tuesday, August 11, according to authorities. News of his death was confirmed by his mother, Joni Duckworth, on Thursday, August 13. She shared the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook, saying that her son had died earlier in the week. (People.com⁠)

The circumstances surrounding Duckworth’s death have left fans with many questions. According to the Grand Forks Police Department, officers were called to his residence at around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday after downstairs neighbors reported water coming through their ceiling.

When officers arrived, Duckworth was found dead in his bathroom. Police have classified the case as an unattended death and said there were no apparent signs of foul play or evidence suggesting a suspicious death. (People.com⁠)

His exact cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities said an autopsy is pending, along with toxicology testing. Police also noted that the toxicology results could take approximately 10 to 12 weeks. It remains unclear how long Duckworth had been deceased when authorities arrived. (People.com⁠)

Duckworth became known to television audiences after appearing on MTV’s The Real World: Key West in 2006. He later joined The Challenge, where he quickly established himself as a strong competitor.

He competed across six seasons of the franchise and ultimately became a two-time champion. Duckworth won The Challenge: Cutthroat in 2010 and returned the following year to win Rivals alongside Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio. He also appeared on The Duel, The Gauntlet III, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3. (Parade⁠)

His death came only days after he reunited with several former Challenge castmates. On July 31, Duckworth attended a Challenge Mania event in Minneapolis, where he posed for photos with fellow reality stars. He later shared pictures from the reunion on Instagram. (People.com⁠)

Following news of his death, members of The Challenge community began sharing tributes and remembering Duckworth’s personality and competitive spirit. He was also recognized as an important LGBTQ+ contestant within the franchise. (Us Weekly⁠)

For now, Duckworth’s family is waiting for answers about what happened. His mother has said that funeral-service details will be shared once the family has made the necessary arrangements.

As fans continue to mourn the reality star, the investigation into his unexpected death remains ongoing. Until the autopsy and toxicology results are completed, officials have not provided a definitive explanation for his passing.