Police report reveals new details in Tyler Duckworth death
The Challenge star Tyler Duckworth's cause of death remains officially undetermined after the 44-year-old was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at his Grand Forks, North Dakota apartment on Aug. 11, 2026. Police reported no outward signs of trauma or foul play, and authorities are awaiting final autopsy and toxicology results.
A newly obtained Grand Forks Police Department case report is adding detail to one of the most sudden losses in recent MTV reality television history. Duckworth, a back-to-back Challenge winner and middle-school teacher, was discovered after water from his bathroom flooded the apartment below.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Duckworth, 44, was found unresponsive in an overflowing bathtub on Aug. 11, 2026, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
- Police found no gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or other outward trauma, and preliminary findings do not indicate homicide.
- His official cause of death is pending autopsy and toxicology results from the Grand Forks Police Department.
- Duckworth won consecutive seasons of The Challenge and had appeared at a fan event less than two weeks before his death.
- A memorial service was scheduled for Aug. 22 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.
What Did the Police Report Reveal About Tyler Duckworth's Death?
According to reports citing a Grand Forks Police Department case report obtained by Page Six, officers were called to Duckworth's apartment at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 11 after residents downstairs noticed water leaking through their ceiling.
TMZ reported that a maintenance worker entered the unit and discovered Duckworth's body in an overflowing bathtub. The police report states Duckworth was positioned against the bathroom door, making it difficult for the person who responded to reach him or confirm whether he was alive.
The caller attempted to shut off the water but could not determine Duckworth's condition before emergency responders arrived. Police told TMZ they found no outward signs of trauma and that the death was initially classified as unattended, meaning no one witnessed it.
What Is Tyler Duckworth's Official Cause of Death?
As of the latest reporting, Duckworth's official cause of death has not been publicly determined. An autopsy has been performed, but final findings—including toxicology testing—remain pending.
Grand Forks Police Lt. Travis Benson told KNOX Radio that investigators were still waiting for results and that the process could take additional time. Police have said there were no apparent signs of foul play or other circumstances suggesting a suspicious death.
TMZ reported that an officer spoke with Duckworth's mother, Joni Duckworth, during the investigation but was unable to verify any medical history. For ongoing updates on celebrity deaths and investigations, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Who Was Tyler Duckworth on 'The Challenge'?
Duckworth first entered the MTV universe on The Real World: Key West in 2006. He went on to compete in six seasons of The Challenge, winning back-to-back titles on Cutthroat in 2010 and Rivals in 2011 alongside Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio.
After roughly a decade away from competition, he returned for All Stars 2 in 2021 and All Stars 3 in 2022. His final major public appearance came at a Challenge Mania event in Minneapolis on July 31, 2026, less than two weeks before his death.
Away from television, Duckworth was a social studies teacher at Valley Middle School in Grand Forks. His mother told local media he incorporated travel experiences into history and geography lessons. Full details are documented in the original Yahoo Entertainment report.