Ashley Sawyer, who appeared on Season 2 of MTV’s “Catfish” has died at age 23. The cause of death is unknown.
“MTV is deeply saddened to learn that Ashley Sawyer has passed away,” the network said in a statement Monday. “Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.”
Tragically, Sawyer appeared on the same episode of Michael Fortunato, who died from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 26, a month after their installment aired.
Sawyer, who was originally from Georgia but passed away in Alabama, appeared on a 2013 installment of the docu-series after she contacted host Max Joseph and his partner Nev about finally meeting her longtime digital companion, according to MTV News.
When the two — who both used altered images of themselves after striking up a conversation in an online chat room — interacted in the flesh, they were unsure of how to proceed with their relationship.
Sawyer had recently completed a program at a sober-living facility after struggling with addiction and was currently residing in her own apartment in Alabama while working at Panera, her sister Jessica Ross told MTV News.
Shocked and saddened by the death of Ashley Sawyer. So sweet and kind. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fC6qG84gfC
— Max Joseph (@maxjoseph) May 2, 2016