8 Most Shocking Reality TV Star Deaths You Weren’t Aware Happened in 2023-2024

 Reality TV star deaths can hit hard. We get so invested in these shows and these larger-than-life personalities. We watch them compete, cry, and celebrate life’s biggest moments. But with the highs come the lows, and sadly, celebrity deaths are a harsh reminder that even the seemingly untouchable personalities on our screens are human.

Here, we take a moment to remember eight reality TV stars who passed away in 2023-2024. Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive. There have been other reality stars who have passed away in this time period, and our thoughts are with their families and friends.

1. Len Goodman

Len Goodman, the former head judge on Dancing with the Stars, passed away after a long battle with bone cancer on April 24, 2023. He was 78 and died surrounded by his family at a hospice in Kent, England. Goodman was a professional dancer himself and had won the British Championships in his 20s before becoming a professional judge. He retired from Dancing with the Stars in November 2022 in order to spend more time with his family. Check out the beautiful tribute that Dancing with the Stars dedicated to Goodman.

2. Larry “Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits” Myers Jr.

Larry Myers Jr., the “Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits” guy known for his appearance on Season 10 of My 600-lb Life, died from a heart attack on June 13, 2023, at 49. Larry was a fan favorite due to his charming personality and his determination to lead a healthier life. He’d even started his own The Buttermilk Biscuit Show on his YouTube channel where he shared life updates, prayers, and lots of motivational speeches. His sudden death was a shock to his fans and the reality TV community. You can still check out his channel if you want to remember his awesome spirit.

3. Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell

Remember Anna Cardwell from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo? Mama June’s eldest daughter? She had been diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January 2023, and her last few months were especially heartbreaking. She was in denial, refusing to accept the reality that she was going to die. Her sister even said she’d cut off the doctors whenever they talked about her not having much time left. After a fierce battle with cancer, she eventually passed away on December 9, 2023, at the young age of 29. You can watch Mama June talk about the grief of losing her daughter.

4. Sean Garinger

Sean Garinger, who is best known for appearing on Season 6 of 16 and Pregnant alongside his then-girlfriend Selena Gutierrez, died on February 28, 2024, at age 20. He got in an ATV accident when he was moving the ATV from one spot to another. The ground, soaked from rain and mud, gave way, causing the ATV to flip over and crush his skull. Here’s a clip of Sean and Selena from when they appeared on 16 and Pregnant.

5. Charlie Griffin

Charlie Griffin was a fishing boat captain who was featured on National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. Griffin and his ship Reels of Fortune appeared on Seasons 2 through 5 of the show. Sadly, the 65-year-old captain and his dog were found dead after a boating accident on March 4, 2024. Even though we’re sad he’s gone, at least we know that he died doing what he loved. Here’s a podcast tribute where Mike Merritt shares all of Griffin’s wildest adventure stories.

6. Garrison Brown

TLC’s Sister Wives followed the lives of Kody Brown and his four wives, along with their many children. Garrison Brown, one of Kody and Janelle Brown’s sons, died by suicide on March 5, 2024, at the young age of 25. The police department confirmed that Garrison died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Janelle announced her son’s death in a heartfelt Instagram post.

 

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7. Stephanie Sparks

If you liked golf and reality shows, you probably knew Stephanie Sparks. She co-hosted the Golf Channel’s reality competition show The Big Break for seven seasons. Sadly, Sparks passed away on April 13, 2024, at the age of 50. No cause of death was revealed by her family, but her The Big Break co-host Tom Abbott posted an emotional message on X mourning her loss.

I’m shocked and saddened by the death of Stephanie Sparks. Many of you will remember Steph as the host of #BigBreak – we worked together on 7 seasons. Lots of fond memories of those times, Steph was a crucial part of the Big Break success story. My thoughts go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/3vND4ingyI

— Tom Abbott (@TomAbbottGC) April 20, 2024

8. Mandisa

Remember Mandisa from American Idol? She was on season 5 and became really popular with fans of Christian music. Her album Overcomer even won the 2014 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album! Unfortunately, she was found dead in her home on April 18, 2024, at the age of 47. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed yet. American Idol did a special performance of her song “Shackles (Praise You)” to honor her memory. You can watch it below.