Michael Fortunato, known to many as “Mike” from Season 2 of MTV’s Catfish: The TV Show, became a memorable figure in the series’ exploration of online relationships and identity deception.
His story, however, extends far beyond the screen, culminating in a tragic and untimely death that shocked fans and cast a somber light on the human stakes behind reality television.
Who was Michael Fortunato?
Michael Fortunato was a 26-year-old New Jersey native when he appeared on Catfish in 2013.
Those who knew Fortunato described him as a “gentle giant” with a “big heart.” Fortunato worked a regular job in Connecticut and lived a relatively quiet life before his online relationship brought him into the public eye.
Little is documented about his early life or personal background beyond what was shared in the Catfish episode and subsequent interviews with his family and co-star.
Gena Fortunato’s sister portrayed him as someone who prioritized others, a sentiment echoed by Ashley Sawyer, his online love interest, who called him “the most honest, loyal person I’d ever met in my life.”
Fortunato entered the world of Catfish through a seven-year online relationship with Ashley Sawyer, a 20-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia. Their story aired in Season 2, Episode 10, titled “Ashley & Mike,” on September 3, 2013.
The episode revealed the complexities of their connection, marked by mutual deception, emotional vulnerability, and a bittersweet resolution.
The Catfish Episode: Ashley & Mike
Catfish: The TV Show, hosted by Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, explores the realities behind online relationships, often exposing “catfishes”—individuals who misrepresent themselves digitally.
The “Ashley & Mike” episode was a rare case where both parties were catfishing each other, adding an ironic twist to their story.
Ashley contacted the Catfish team, eager to meet Mike after years of online communication. She admitted to editing her photos heavily due to self-esteem issues, presenting an idealized version of herself.
Meanwhile, Mike used entirely fake images, passing off pictures of different people as his own.
The hosts quickly identified inconsistencies in Mike’s photos, which were described as “old school” with “frosted tips” and “shirtless poses,” which raised red flags.
When they finally met in person, the physical discrepancies were evident. Ashley, expecting a “Ken doll” figure, found Mike’s real appearance jarring, while Mike was confronted with Ashley’s unfiltered self.
Mike expressed genuine affection despite the deception, admitting he was in love and ready to settle down. Ashley, however, struggled with her lack of physical attraction to him, initially rejecting a romantic future.
After reflection, she softened her stance, and the episode concluded with the two agreeing to remain friends, with plans to stay in touch.
Michael Fortunato’s death
Less than a month after the episode aired, on October 12, 2013, Michael Fortunato died at the age of 26 in Hartford, Connecticut.
The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism resulting from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), with contributing factors including obesity and cardiomyopathy, according to the Farmington, Connecticut, chief medical examiner’s office.
The suddenness of his passing stunned those who had just seen him on television, healthy and hopeful. Details of the day emerged through family accounts and media reports.
Gena Fortunato told MTV News that Mike left work early, feeling unwell, and attempted to drive himself to the hospital. En route, he swerved and struck a fence, prompting paramedics to intervene.
He was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ashley Sawyer later revealed that Mike had texted her that morning, mentioning he was considering a hospital visit but decided against it, a decision that may have cost him critical time.
The aftermath and Ashley Sawyer’s fate
Mike’s death left Ashley devastated. She told MTV News, “We were very much in love,” noting plans to spend New Year’s Eve together in Atlanta.
Their post-episode connection suggested a bond transcending the initial deception, making his loss even more poignant.
Tragically, Ashley Sawyer’s story also ended in sorrow. On April 30, 2016, she died at 23 in Hoover, Alabama, from a suspected heroin overdose.
Emergency responders found her unresponsive, with CPR in progress and Narcan administered, but efforts failed. Her sister, Jessica Ross, told MTV News that Ashley had been in a sober living house before her death, hinting at struggles with addiction.