The reality TV alum’s castmates have shared tributes on social media.
Sarah Becker, who was one of the beloved housemates on MTV’s ‘The Real World: Miami,’ has passed away at the age of 52.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sarah Becker,” an MTV spokesperson shared. “Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to reports, including an initial story from TMZ, Sarah’s death was a suicide that took place at her home in Illinois, where she had moved to care for sick family members. She had been planning to return to California shortly before her passing.
The world first met Sarah in 1996 through the fifth season of ‘The Real World,’ set in the vibrant city of Miami. At the time, she was a 25-year-old editor working with Image Comics’ subsidiary Wildstorm and known for her passion for skateboarding. It’s been said she was even dealing with a skateboarding injury before her death.
During her time on ‘The Real World,’ Sarah lived alongside Dan Renzi, Melissa Padrón, Joe Patane, Cynthia Roberts, Flora Alekseyeun, and Mike Lambert. One of the key experiences for the cast was the challenge of starting a business with a $50,000 seed fund—a venture that, unfortunately, did not succeed.
Flora Alekseyeun, who was also part of the Miami cast, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram just after the news broke. “I am beyond myself and sad to just hear that my roommate Sarah died. I can’t believe this. She was the most selfless person I knew,” Flora wrote. “I haven’t spoken to her in years and never knew she was troubled. My prayers go out to her family. RIP my roommate, my friend. May you skate with angels and never feel pain again #therealworldmiami.”
Another friend, Daniel Norton, shared his sorrow on Facebook, saying, “Sarah Becker was made of pure sunshine… Full of energy and positivity, you couldn’t help but feel her warmth standing in her presence. I am grateful for our adventures and laughs.”
Dan Renzi also posted a tribute, acknowledging how they had fallen out of touch over the years but still felt a special bond from their time on the show. “Sarah and I had not spoken since the end of the show, so I don’t know anything about her struggles,” Dan admitted. “The seven of us in that cast went through a bizarre, intense, and sometimes traumatic experience together, and that creates a connection between people, even when they choose not to associate with each other. I can only say, it’s very sad.”
Joe Patane, another fellow housemate, expressed his grief on Facebook: “Sarah Becker, one of my six roommates on MTV’s ‘The Real World: Miami,’ and for years after in our home in San Luis Obispo, CA, dedicated herself to becoming a life coach and eventually a licensed marriage and family therapist to help others, and perhaps deeper understand her own mental health challenges. Suicide should never be an option, but hopefully she is at peace, and those who knew and loved her will reach out for the care they need, like I must, to mourn, love, LIVE and thrive.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. More resources can be found at 988lifeline.org.
