Yahoo Lifestyle MTV 'Real World' Alum Dead at 52
Sarah Becker, an original cast member on the fifth season of MTV's popular reality series, The Real World, which took place in Miami, died early last week by suicide. She was 52 years old.
A family member reportedly confirmed the news to TMZ, adding that she was in Illinois at the time of her death, having moved there sometime in 2023 to help take care of her mother and sister. Becker allegedly experienced recent mental health struggles and went through a skateboarding accident.
In the wake of the sad news, Becker's fellow cast members paid tribute to the 52-year-old. On the show, which aired in 1996, Becker was only 25 years old as she joined housemates Dan Renzi, Mike Lambert, Melissa Padrón, Cynthia Roberts, Joe Patane and Flora Alekseyeun to live and work together for a few months.
"I am beyond myself and sad to just hear that my roomate Sarah died," wrote Alekseyeun in a tribute on Instagram. "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... RIP my roomate, my friend. May you skate with angels and never feel pain again."
Riker also commented on Becker's death, noting that they had lost touch over the years but that their Real World experience created "a connection between people, even when they choose not to associate with each other." He added, "I can only say, it's very sad."
Pantane, who appeared to have lived with Becker for a number of years after the conclusion of Real World: Miami, shared a photo memory and explained that Becker "dedicated herself to becoming a life coach and eventually a licensed marriage and family therapist to help others."
"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. 💕," he concluded.
Fellow Real World alum Roberts also reacted with a sweet tribute shared to her Instagram Stories, saying, "I pray there's happiness for you on the other side," while it's unclear if fellow Real World: Miami alums Lambert and Padrón have social media or have made any statement.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
