MELANIE Rauscher was known to viewers as a fearless survivor during her appearance on Naked and Afraid.
Her mysterious death came as a shock to fans and well-wishers.
Who was Naked and Afraid contestant Melanie Rauscher?
Melanie Rauscher was well-known for her appearance on Naked and Afraid in 2013.
She also appeared in the spinoff show XL, in 2015.
Melanie was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Daniel T and Catherine A Rauscher.
She attended Old Dominion University in Virginia.
She served US Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-17 during the Iraq War.
Before her death, she was employed at the Prescott VA Medical Center.
What was the cause of her death?
According to TMZ, Melanie Rauscher’s body was found near several cans of compressed air on July 17, 2022.
Corey Kasun, a spokesperson for the local police department said she was dog sitting at a residence in Prescott, Arizona, while the homeowners were on vacation.
Melanie was discovered deceased on the bed in the guest room.
Cops said a suicide note was not found or any drug paraphernalia and there were no obvious signs of foul play.
The Yavapai County Medical Examiner will determine Melanie’s cause of death.
What are people saying about her death?
Jeremy McCaa, a close castmate of Melanie’s on Naked and Afraid, paid an emotional tribute to her on his Facebook page saying: “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.”
He continued: “Her laughter was one of a kind. Her friendship was amazing. Even tho we wasn’t blood, we was family. I could always count on her. We had so many moments when we would just be there for each other.
“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 to soon and taken from us to early. You’ll always be my Mel. I love you and I’ll see you again one day.”
He concluded: “The world lost an amazing person. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. See you again my Queen.”
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