Melanie Rauscher, a former contestant on Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid” reality series, was reportedly found dead on July 17 in Prescott, Ariz. She was 35.
Corey Kasun, a rep for the Prescott Police Department said, “Rauscher was dog sitting in the city while the homeowners were out of town. Upon their return, they discovered Rauscher dead in their guest room, near several cans of dust cleaner containing compressed air.”
It remains unclear if Rauscher consumed the cans’ contents. However, police did determine that there were no signs of foul play or drug paraphernalia. Rauscher also did not leave a suicide note and that the dog was fine when the owners returned home.
Rauscher was a contestant on “Naked and Afraid” in 2013 and the spinoff show “Naked and Afraid XL” in 2015.
Rauscher’s former cast mate and close friend Jeremy McCaa posted on Facebook to remember his “swamp wife” and “best friend.”
“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. Her laughter was one of a kind. Her friendship was amazing. Even though we wasn’t blood, we was family.”
“I could always count on her,” he continued. “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.”
He concluded his post by saying “I love you” to his late pal. “I’ll see you again one day. The world lost an amazing person. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. See you again my Queen.”
