The Real World stars lead tributes as Sarah Becker dies aged 52
The Real World star Sarah Becker has died aged 52 (Pictures: Facebook)
The Real World star Sarah Becker has died at the age of 52.
The MTV favorite, who appeared on the Miami-based version of the reality series, died by suicide.
Her family confirmed the news to TMZ, explaining that she was at her home in Illinois at the time.
She’d moved to the area to care for her mom and sister, but had planned to eventually head to California when she could.
According to the outlet, she had struggled with mental health issues in the last few months – while also recovering from a skateboarding accident.
She was described by her loved ones as a ‘selfless’ person who took care of everyone.
Sarah came to fame on season five of the Real World (Picture: YouTube)
Becker worked in the comic book industry but switched things up in 1996 when she appeared in season five of the Real World, which was set in Miami.
The hugely popular series ran on MTV for 33 seasons, before it ended in 2016, and followed a group of young people living in a house together across several months.
Her castmates included Cynthia Robert, Melissa Padron, Flora Alekseyeva, Dan Renzi, Joe Patane and Mike Lambert.
Alekseyeva was the first to pay tribute after the news broke, sharing a post about Becker’s death on Instagram.
Tributes poured in for Sarah on social media (Picture: Facebook)
‘I am beyond myself and sad to just hear that my roomate Sarah died. I can’t believe this,’ she wrote.
‘She was the most selfless person I knew. She was always kind and helpful to everyone. I haven’t spoken to her in years and never knew she was troubled.
‘My prayers go out to her family. RIP my roomate, my friend. May you skate with angels and never feel pain again #therealworldmiami [sic].’
Renzi followed suit on TikTok, penning: ‘Yes I know about the death of Sarah Becker, one of my roommates in the Real World. ‘Sarah and I had not spoken since the end of the show, so I don’t know anything about her struggles.
@danrenzi ♬ Very Sad – Enchan
‘The seven of us in that cast went through a bizarre, intense, and sometimes traumatic experience together, and that creates a connection between people, even when they choose not to associate with each other.
‘I can only say, it’s very sad.’
Patane shared a picture of Becker on his Facebook page, with the caption: ‘Sarah Becker, one of my six roommates on MTVs The Real World: Miami, and for years after in our home in San Luis Obispo, CA, dedicated herself to becoming a life coach and eventually a licensed marriage and family therapist to help others, and perhaps deeper understand her own mental health challenges.
‘Suicide should never be an option, but hopefully she is at peace, and those who knew and loved her will reach out for the care they need, like I must, to mourn, love, LIVE and thrive.’
A spokesperson for MTV shared a statement with People Magazine, adding: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sarah Becker.
‘Our hearts go out to her family and friends in this time of grief.’
The Real World: Miami filmed at the beginning of 1996 and aired that summer, following the seven housemates as they went about their daily lives.
That season was the first where the cast were given their own task to complete as a house, and were given $50,000 to begin a business – which ultimately did not end up happening.
Sarah appeared on the Miami version of the MTV series (Picture: MTV)
Becker later opened up about her time in front of the cameras, explaining that she initially applied as a joke, and wanted to use the platform to further her career.
‘For me, The Real World was a six-month long vacation,’ she told the Chicago Tribune. ‘I knew from the get-go that it couldn’t be a steppingstone to bigger and better things.
‘I want my own magazine some day, and I don’t think Sarah from The Real World is going to have anything to do with that.
‘I kind of liked being anonymous. Now I go into a place and people recognize me and say, “Hey, Real World girl!” So when I go out I sometimes wear a hood.’
Despite this, she conceded that she had a ‘blast’ on the series, adding: ‘I learned that I’m pretty happy about who I am.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings