The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth's former castmates attend his North Dakota funeral after shocking death at age 44

By CASSIE CARPENTER, US SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 19:18, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 23:54, 23 August 2026 The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth was honored by friends and family at his memorial service, which was held at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday. The MTV reality star's mother Joni Duckworth took a photo surrounded by his former castmates Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio, Jose Tapia, Tina Barta and producer Ryan Smith as well as his friends AJ, Charley Cullen Walters and Greg Bennett-Cesarini. Duckworth died, at age 44, on August 11 with his body 'up against the bathroom door' when the Grand Forks Police Department were dispatched after his downstairs neighbors complained of water coming through the ceiling – according to Page Six. Authorities claimed there were no signs of foul play, but the Tufts University grad's cause of death is still 'pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report, which can take up to 12 weeks. On Sunday, Bananas shared several snaps from inside Duckworth's celebration of life, writing: 'Lights will guide you home. And I hope wherever they lead you, you know how deeply you were loved, and how much of you we'll carry with us forever. Rest easy, brother.' On display were pictures of the Valley Middle School teacher when he competed on The Real World: Key West as well as The Challenge's The Duel, The Gauntlet III, Cutthroat, Rivals, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3. The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth was honored by friends and family at his memorial service, which was held at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday (pictured July 1) The MTV reality star's mother Joni Duckworth (3-L) took a photo surrounded by his former castmates Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio, Jose Tapia, Tina Barta and producer Ryan Smith as well as his friends AJ, Charley Cullen Walters and Greg Bennett-Cesarini 'Our first night in Fargo. We ate, drank, laughed, cried, reminisced, gambled and toasted to Tyler,' AJ wrote via Instagram story. 'Never thought I'd be here. Tyler brought us together and we became unstoppable.' Duckworth had just reunited with castmates Rachel Robinson, Brad Fiorenza, Tina Barta and Mark Long during The Challenge Mania event in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 31. '@challengemaniapodcast always knows how to bring the BEST of the BEST together!' the openly gay star, who boasts 23,200 social media followers, wrote on August 2. 'So proud to represent my hometown of Minneapolis along with these other challenge legends. The fans are what keep us coming out! Hearing your stories of courage, inspiration and joy that you've got being a fan of the franchise is humbling each and every time. 'Also, pretty sure we nailed the cast photo for the lost season of The Real World: Minneapolis! Thank you Minneapolis! Thank you @scottofyager It was REAL!' Duckworth died, at age 44, on August 11 with his body 'up against the bathroom door' when the Grand Forks Police Department were dispatched after his downstairs neighbors complained of water coming through the ceiling Authorities claimed there were no signs of foul play, but the Tufts University grad's cause of death is still 'pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report, which can take up to 12 weeks On Sunday, Bananas shared several snaps from inside Duckworth's celebration of life, writing: 'Lights will guide you home. And I hope wherever they lead you, you know how deeply you were loved, and how much of you we'll carry with us forever. Rest easy, brother' On display were pictures of the Valley Middle School teacher when he competed on The Real World: Key West as well as The Challenge's The Duel, The Gauntlet III, Cutthroat, Rivals, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3 'Our first night in Fargo. We ate, drank, laughed, cried, reminisced, gambled and toasted to Tyler,' AJ (3-L) wrote via Instagram story. 'Never thought I'd be here. Tyler brought us together and we became unstoppable' Duckworth had just reunited with castmates Rachel Robinson, Brad Fiorenza, Tina Barta and Mark Long during The Challenge Mania event in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 31 Since moving from LA to back home in 2020, the openly gay star had been busy teaching world history and social science classes as well as pursuing a master's degree in education Since moving from LA to back home in 2020, Duckworth had been busy teaching world history and social science classes as well as pursuing a master's degree in education. 'He lived life at full speed whether he was swimming, studying history, socializing, working out or teaching,' his obituary read. 'He was tireless in his pursuit of excellence. His memory will be remembered and cherished for his incredible kindness, vitality, humor and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created.' The globetrotter, who was fluent in Russian, also loved the Olympics – attending ceremonies in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), London (2012) and Japan (2014). Duckworth is also survived by his father Jack Duckworth, stepmother Gwen Duckworth, brother Jackson Duckworth and his sister-in-law Des Duckworth.