Sarah Becker, a reality star of The Real World, has sadly passed away aged 52.
Becker transitioned from a career in the comic book industry to reality TV in 1996, joining the cast of The Real World for its fifth season, which was set in Miami.
The groundbreaking series, which aired for 33 seasons on MTV until its conclusion in 2016, followed a group of young adults living together for several months.
Her season's cast included Cynthia Robert, Melissa Padron, Flora Alekseyeva, Dan Renzi, Joe Patane, and Mike Lambert.
Her family confirmed to TMZ that Becker died by suicide at her home in Illinois, where she had moved to care for her mother and sister. She had planned to relocate to California eventually.
It's reported that in recent months, Becker had struggled with mental health issues while also recovering from a skateboarding accident.
Her family described her as a "selfless" individual who always prioritized the well-being of others.
An MTV spokesperson confirmed the news to PEOPLE, saying: "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."
Flora Alekseyeun, 52, posted a tribute to Becker on Instagram on Sunday, June 23, when the news of her death broke.
"I am beyond myself and sad to just hear that my roommate Sarah died. I can’t believe this. She was the most selfless person I knew. She was always kind and helpful to everyone," Alekseyeun wrote.
"I haven’t spoken to her in years and never knew she was troubled. My prayers go out to her family. RIP my roommate, my friend. May you skate with angels and never feel pain again #therealworldmiami."
Dan Renzi also shared a tribute to Becker on Instagram, revealing that he and his former "Real World" co-star had lost touch in the years since filming the show.
"Sarah and I had not spoken since the end of the show, so I don't know anything about her struggles," he wrote, reflecting on their shared experience.
"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."
Becker's participation in The Real World: Miami marked a significant period in reality TV history, being the first season where the cast was tasked with starting a business, although the project ultimately did not come to fruition.
Despite her initial skepticism about the show’s impact on her career, Becker acknowledged the unique experience it provided.
"For me, 'The Real World' was a six-month long vacation," she told the Chicago Tribune in 1997, cited by Metro.
"I knew from the get-go that it couldn’t be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I want my own magazine someday, 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 the challenges and unexpected fame, Becker reflected positively on her time on the show. "I had a blast," she admitted. "I learned that I’m pretty happy about who I am."
Our thoughts are with Becker's loved ones at this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
