As a fans of the hit series Naked and Afraid will recall, former contestant Melanie Rauscher was found dead earlier this summer. The 35-year-old reality TV alum was found dead in July while dog sitting for a friend, as reported by People.
In her heartfelt obituary, Melanie’s family remembered their beloved daughter, sister, and aunt as an enthusiastic, outdoor-loving young woman with a zest for life and making others laugh.
Now, the 35-year-old’s cause of death has been revealed.
Fans of “Naked and Afraid” will remember that Melanie Rauscher appeared on season 7 of the Discovery Channel’s hit show back in 2017.
The nature-loving young woman also appeared on season 4 of the spin-off Naked and Afraid XL the following year.
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Before her time on the popular reality competition show, Melanie served as a member of the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt CVN-17 during the Iraq War.
At the time of her tragic death, the 35-year-old was employed at the Prescott VA Medical Center, as per People.
As first reported by TMZ, the reality star was found dead after dog sitting at a friend’s home in Prescott, Arizona.
The outlet shared that several cans of compressed air, commonly used to blast the dust off computer keyboards, were found near her body.
The outlet went on to report that it’s unclear if Melanie consumed the contents of the compressed air cans before her death.
Arizona police found no obvious signs of foul play, drug paraphernalia, or a suicide note, and the dog was unharmed.
Melanie will be remembered as an “avid outdoor enthusiast who loved nature and all creatures big and small” according to her obituary. “Melanie loved camping & hiking and finding adventure wherever she could.”
” Mel was a passionate athlete and deeply involved in local adult leagues. She was a diehard Eagles fan.”
“She was a natural comedian, and her wit was unmatched. Melanie’s boisterous laugh will echo in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever,” the obit added.
Now, just one month after the young woman’s passing, the official cause of death has been revealed.
The report, obtained from the Yavapai County Medical Examiner, says that Melanie inhaled a deadly amount of the compressed air, leaving her unresponsive.
As per TMZ, her official cause of death was listed as difluoroethane toxicity, commonly known as “huffing.”
The report went on to note that drugs and alcohol did not play a role in her death.
We’re keeping all of Melanie’s loved ones in our thoughts during this devastating time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please visit the resources found here.
h/t: TMZ
