Starting from 2013, many were glued to the Disney Channel series, Naked and Afraid as the contestants faced the most dangerous obstacles to survive. While there are many records of fatal injuries and attacks, no death reports have been made of contestants on the show.
Nonetheless, one of the show’s former contestants, Melanie Rauchers sadly passed away in July 2022 after sniffing a harmful substance; she was 35 years old at the time.
While the world would miss this gem, many would remember her especially when she appeared on the reality series. She made her first appearance in season 7 of the show in 2017 and again in season 4 of its spinoff Naked and Afraid XL.
No One Died on Naked and Afraid
First things first, let’s get this out of the way; No one died from any attacks while on the reality show which started airing in 2013. Needless to say, the daring nature of the show has not been an easy challenge for some. No wonder, contestants like Honora Bowen pretended to pass out so she could leave.
Though the show is challenging and quite tasking, Bowen’s leaving is quite a curious story. According to the former contestant, she went through extreme physical trauma and psychological difficulties.
Bowen had lost her father before appearing on the show and while on the show, the producers built a storyline that made her talk about her father’s magnifying glass. It got too much for her and she had to eventually find a way to leave.
Melanie Rauscher Died in 2022 at the Age of 35
Away from that, one of the show’s former contestants, Melanie Rauscher died at the age of 35 in 2022.
She is known to have appeared on two seasons of the show. According to TMZ, her cause of death was a result of sniffing compressed air used for cleaning. Per the same source, she was found on July 17 near the cans of the product in a home she was dog-sitting in Prescot, Arizona.
Many reactions trailed her sad demise. Notable among these is one from Jeremy McCaa, her former partner on the show. According to him, the world lost an amazing person.
See Also: Dancing Dolls Cast – Meet All The Cast Members Of The Reality Show
Other Facts About Melanie Rauscher
1. Her Early Life
Melanie Elizabeth Rauscher was born sometime in 1986 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Daniel T. and Catherine A. Rauscher. She grew up alongside three sisters namely Jeanette, Rebecca, and Alexis. Though there are few details of her childhood, she may have enjoyed the company of other extended family members including her aunt, uncles, and cousins. We say this because she is survived by many family members.
A close look at her educational background shows that she attended Kennedy-Kendrick High School and later Dominion University in Virginia.
2. Melanie Worked in the US Navy Before her Big Break as a Reality Star
Long before many saw her daring nature on screen, Melanie served in the US Navy. The highlight of her naval career shows that she was deeply involved during the Iraq war and is said to have served on the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt CVN-17.
After this period she continued to serve in different capacities.
3. She Rose to Fame after Appearing on Naked and Ashamed
Though the Pennsylvania-born had done service to her country, she rose to fame after appearing on a reality show. She made her debut appearance in season 7 of Naked and Afraid in 2017. She became Jeremy McCaa’s partner after he had spent several days in the swamp.
Together, the pair bravely faced snakes and alligators in the Atchafalaya Swamp. Her partner eventually broke the record for the longest stay in the wilderness. Notably, MaCaa and Rauscher grew so close that he described her in endearing words.
After the season ended, she made an appearance in its spinoff’s XL fourth season. During this appearance, she was partnered with Dustin Cambell as they braved the harsh conditions of the Selati River Basin in South Africa.
4. She was a Lover of the Outdoors
Needless to say, due to her appearance on a daring reality show, Melanie loved the outdoors. Even while off camera, the late reality star found fun in doing activities like hiking, camping, and generally enjoying nature.
Aside from her love for nature, Melanie’s obituary also read that she loved all creatures big and small. Putting all these passions together, also explains why she was on a show like Naked and Afraid at two different times.
5. Melanie Rauscher worked in the Hospital After she left the Reality Show
Following her last appearances on XL, the reality star continued to pursue her career off the screen. Though one would expect her to do something close to entertainment or the military due to her background, it turns out she worked in a hospital in Prescot.
