Johnny ‘Bananas’ Devenanzio Shares Tribute to Late “Real World” Costar Tyler Duckworth, Calling Him ‘the Brother I Never Had’

Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio has shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and former co-star from *The Real World*, Tyler Duckworth, following Duckworth’s untimely passing at the age of 44. Duckworth was discovered deceased in his apartment in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on August 11, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and friends alike.

In a moving Instagram post on August 16, Devenanzio referred to Duckworth as “the brother I never had,” underscoring the deep bond they developed over the years. Accompanying the tribute was an emotional video featuring Devenanzio performing an acoustic rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies”. This personal montage showcased memorable moments between the two, which were captured throughout their enduring friendship.

The caption accompanying the video included a touching message: “You were more than a friend. More than a roommate. You’ll always be family ❤️.” Devenanzio also referenced a Bible verse, Psalm 147:3, which speaks to healing and solace, perhaps indicating both his own grief and the hope for Duckworth’s peace.

Duckworth and Devenanzio first crossed paths in 2006 when they were cast as housemates on MTV’s *The Real World: Key West*, the show’s 17th season. This series not only marked their entry into the realm of reality television but also introduced viewers to a diverse group of personalities, including Paula Meronek, Janelle Casanave, Svetlana Shusterman, Zach Mann, and Jose Tapia.

Their camaraderie transcended their initial appearances on *The Real World*, leading to a shared journey through several seasons of *The Challenge*. The two firstly teamed up on *The Duel* and later faced off in *The Gauntlet III* and *Cutthroat*, reflecting the multifaceted dynamics that often characterise such competitions. Their combined history eventually culminated in their partnership during the 2011 season of *The Challenge: Rivals*. Despite previous confrontations, the duo managed to coalesce their strengths, ultimately securing victory.

In total, Duckworth competed in six seasons of *The Challenge*, leaving a lasting impression on the franchise. His final appearance was on *All Stars 3* in 2022, where he showcased his enduring spirit and competitive edge alongside other well-known contestants.

Following Duckworth’s passing, his mother, Joni, confirmed the sad news on August 13, and local authorities noted that he was discovered after receiving reports of water leaking from his apartment. The Grand Forks Police Department responded to these concerns and unfortunately found Duckworth’s body in the bathtub. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, police indicated that there were no immediate signs of foul play, although a cause has yet to be determined.

Just weeks prior to his death, Duckworth had participated in a gathering of fellow reality television veterans at a Challenge Mania event in Minneapolis on July 31. He expressed pride in representing his hometown during this reunion and thanked supporters for their ongoing loyalty to the franchise.

The sudden loss of Tyler Duckworth has resonated deeply within the reality television community, prompting many to reflect on his significant contributions and the cherished friendships formed on and off-screen. Devenanzio’s tribute is a poignant reminder of the affection and respect shared among cast members, emphasising how these bonds can endure beyond the confines of competition and reality television.