The MTV series Catfish explores the complexities of online relationships and the deceit that can accompany them.
Unfortunately, some cast members have faced tragic fates, significantly impacting the show’s fans.
Here is a list of all MTV Catfish stars who died, their ages, roles, episodes, and the causes of their deaths.
1. Ashley Sawyer (D. May 2016)
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 10
- Role: Catfish
- Age at death: 23
- Cause of Death: Drug overdose
Ashley Sawyer appeared in Season 2, Episode 10 of Catfish alongside Michael Fortunato. The episode revealed that they had been deceiving each other with fake photos for seven years.
Sadly, Ashley passed away in May 2016 in Hoover, Alabama. She was found unconscious at her home, and despite efforts by emergency responders to revive her, they were unsuccessful.
Speaking to People, Lieutenant Charles McDonald with the Hoover Police Department stated:
An autopsy was performed, and early indications are this may be related to a drug overdose, possibly heroin. Thoughts and prayers of the Hoover Police Department go out to the family of Ashley Sawyer.
Following her death, Max Joseph, who was once the TV host and cameraman for Catfish shared his condolences on Twitter, stating,
Shocked and saddened by the death of Ashley Sawyer. So sweet and kind. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Many fans were devastated by her untimely death, recalling her deep connection with a man she had communicated with online for many years.
2. Michael Fortunato (D. October 2013)
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 10
- Role: Catfish
- Age at Death: 26
- Cause of Death: Pulmonary embolism
Michael Fortunato was featured in Episode 10 of Season 2, having misled Ashley Sawyer by creating a fake online identity.
Both were insecure about their bodies, so they shared older photos of themselves when they were slimmer. The episode ended with them developing a sincere connection despite their troubled histories.
Unfortunately, Michael passed away in Hartford, Connecticut, in October 2013. His cause of death was pulmonary embolism.
Michael’s condition stemmed from obesity, which caused a blockage in one of the arteries in his lungs, leading to his sudden demise.
At the time of his passing, Catfish expressed their condolences on their Facebook account by stating:
Catfish fans, we have sad news. Michael “Mike” Fortunato from this season has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Please share your condolences for his family and friends in the comments.
3. Robert Brian Clark (D. December 2016)
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 10
- Role: Himself
- Age at Death: 33
- Cause of Death: Motorcycle accident
Robert Brian Clark was featured in Season 2, Episode 8 of Catfish alongside Jessie Bettinger, who suspected he was deceiving her.
Bettinger contacted the Catfish team after Brian failed to meet her despite traveling a long distance.
When they finally met on the show, Clark turned out to be genuine, but their relationship did not endure post-show.
Clark passed away in a motorcycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama, in December 2016. The accident occurred when his motorcycle collided with an oncoming vehicle on a busy highway in Birmingham.
The severe impact from the crash led to his untimely death. His death came as a shock to fans who remembered his dramatic episode on the show.
After his death, Jessie Bettinger took to Facebook to share her condolences, stating:
I’ll never forget our good times. Your struggle is finally over.
Catfish also took to Twitter to share their condolences, stating:
Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of #Catfish’s Robert Brian Clark.