Former Naked and Afraid Melanie Rauscher, a contestant, suddenly passed away. She was 35.
A representative from Prescott Police Department said that the Discovery Channel personality was dog-sitting at a Prescott, Arizona residence while the homeowners were away on vacation. Upon their return home, they found Rauscher’s deceased body in the guest room.
Melanie Rauscher Courtesy Jeremy McCaa/Facebook
The police officers told the outlet that there were no signs of foul play ahead of the Philadelphia native’s death, noting that several cans of compressed air — which can be used to clean dust off computers — were found near her body.
An obituary dedicated to Rauscher’s memory confirmed that she “passed away suddenly” on July 17.
“She lived her life in service to others. Melanie was employed at the Prescott VA Medical Center at the time of her passing,” the obituary read. “She was an avid outdoor enthusiast who loved nature and all creatures big and small.”
The statement continued: “Melanie loved camping & hiking and finding adventure wherever she could. Melanie was also passionate about challenging herself, which led to her participation on Naked & Afraid And XL. … She was a natural comedian, and her wit was unmatched. Melanie’s boisterous laugh will echo in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.”
Melanie Rauscher Discovery+
The Old Dominion University grad became famous as one of the 7 participants in the season 7 of Naked and AfraidThe 2017 episode aired on Discovery Channel and Discovery+. The docuseries, which airs on Discovery Channel and Discovery+, chronicles a variety of adventure-seekers as they are stranded in the wilderness while fully nude. Following her season 7 experience, Melanie returned one year later for the network’s all-star edition of its Naked and Afraid: XL Spinoff of her attempt to survive in Africa with her husband Dustin “Duck” Campbell And Sarah Danser.
“She came into my life in a way I can’t explain. We had such a chemistry on the show and it blossomed into a friendship that goes beyond words could describe,” fellow show alum Jeremy McCaaFacebook July 19, 2012: “Her laughter was one of a kind. Her friendship was extraordinary. Even tho we wasn’t blood, we was family. I could always count upon her. We had so many moments when we would just be there for each other.”
He added in his social media tribute: “She was my swamp wife, a best friend, a strong woman, an amazing person and I’ll always cherish our moments together. You’re gone [too]Soon, taken from us [too] early. You’ll always be my Mel. I love you and I’ll see you again one day. A remarkable person was lost to the world. Please keep her family members and friends in your thoughts. See you again my Queen.”
Parents are surviving the late reality TV alum DanielAnd Catherine RauscherSisters Jeanette, Rebecca And Alexis.
