Naked and Afraid Star Melanie Rauschar Dies at 35
Reality TV star Melanie Rauscher has been found dead. Rauscher was a contestant on Discovery’s popular show, Naked and Afraid. She was found in Prescott, Arizona on July 17. Rauscher was only 35 at the time of her death.
Reports that quoted the police documents stated that Rauscher was dog-sitting for a family in Prescott while they were on vacation. Little did they know that they would be returning home one afternoon to find Melanie lying unconscious on the bed of the guest room.
What’s more shocking than hearing about a healthy, young person succumbing to their death? The records show that there was no evidence of foul play, or of someone breaking and entering. There was no mention of a suicide note or drug involvement. The dog she was looking after was unharmed.
The exact cause of her death is still a mystery, and no autopsy reports have been released yet. A rumor going around states that she was found around numerous cans of compressed air. These are generally used to clean small surfaces like laptops. While we cannot confirm or deny this statement, it definitely begs the question: how?
Melanie Rauscher appeared first in the seventh season of ‘Naked and Afraid’ in 2017. The reality TV show entails seven pairs of strangers learning how to survive extreme environments and wildlife, all the while being naked. In 2018, she also starred in the fourth season of ‘Naked and Afraid XL.’
The TV star has been described as an “avid outdoor enthusiast who loved nature and all creatures big and small.” She enjoyed hiking, sports and was an athlete herself, involved in local adult leagues. Her obituary states that she seeked adventure and fun wherever she went. Her death came as a shock to former co-star Jeremy McCaa. He took to Facebook to grieve and shared memories of the two of them together. His post reads:
“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. Even though we weren’t blood, we were 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.”
“The world lost an amazing person. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. See you again my Queen.”
Melanie also served the United States of America during the Iraq War as a member of the Navy. At the time of her death, she was deployed at the Prescott VA Medical Center. Melanie was known to be a free, giving spirit and a passionate athlete. “She always put other people before herself. She was really well loved in the Naked and Afraid community. Everyone will miss her,” added McCaa.
She will be survived by her family, namely her parents: Daniel T and Catherine A Rauscher; her sisters: Rebecca, Alexis and Jeanette, and her nephew and niece, Liam and Aria Parker.
