The Challenge star Tyler Duckworth’s mom, Jodi Duckworth, is speaking out after her son’s sudden death at the age of 44.
“My Ty-Guy would skip to school when he was little,” Jodi said in a statement to People on Friday, August 14. “He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer.”
The grieving parent also celebrated her son’s career as a middle and high school teacher after becoming a two-time champion in The Challenge franchise.
“Tyler found his passion in teaching, and he was good at it,” she said. “I understand his students loved him. He taught world history. He loved history and geography, and as he had traveled the world over, I am sure he brought many insights to his students.”
Tyler made his MTV debut on The Real World: Key West in 2006 shortly after graduating from Tufts University. He went on to compete on six seasons of The Challenge, which filmed all around the world.
“To all of Tyler’s friends and fans — God bless you for loving my Ty-Guy,” Jodi concluded.
Grand Forks Police confirmed to Us on Friday that detectives were called regarding a welfare check on Tuesday, August 11.
When officers arrived at an undisclosed location, Tyler was found unresponsive and determined to be deceased. A cause of death has yet to be revealed, and specifics of the welfare check are not being released, as it’s an ongoing investigation.
The North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that Tyler’s autopsy was performed, and his case “will take at least 90 days for the full investigation to be completed.”
Long before his death, Tyler shined a light on the close relationship he had with his mom. In May 2023, he celebrated Mother’s Day by posting several throwback photos with Jodi.
“Wishing the best to my Mother Joni! Happy Mother’s Day to a phenomenal woman!” he wrote via Instagram. “You’ve lifted me up so many times throughout my life, I’m grateful to have you as my Mother! #MothersDay.”
More than two years later, it was Jodi who confirmed her son’s death on social media.
“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” she wrote via Facebook. “Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”
In the wake of Tyler’s death, many of his former costars — who turned into dear friends over time — have honored the reality star, who left a lasting mark on The Challenge franchise.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Tyler Duckworth, a beloved member of The Real World and The Challenge family,” the show and MTV said in a statement via Instagram. “He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Tyler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time❤️.”
