The Real World star Anika Rashaun has died at the age of 34. Confirming the news on Substack, her friend, Tiara Ramos, penned a heartbreaking tribute. “Last summer, my best friend and sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Her diagnosis was a shock,” Ramos began. “Despite her mother having breast cancer years earlier, she was never identified as high-risk or told by her doctors to prioritise mammograms. That was one of the many failures she experienced within the medical system during her time battling cancer. But that is a story for another day.”
“My world already feels dulled and blurred without her,” she continued. “The urge to pick up the phone and FaceTime her is a reflex I can’t shake.
“Knowing the pain her husband, her parents, her loved ones, and her community are feeling right now makes me sick. I am angry. I am heartbroken. I am devastated.”
Prior to her passing, Rashaun, who had pivoted from TV to a career as a matchmaker and dating coach, revealed that she was battling cancer on social media in October 2025.
Following the news of her death, tributes have poured in for Rashaun, who famously appeared in MTV’s Real World Seattle: Bad Blood, as well as The Challenge.
Sharing a photo of the 34-year-old on Instagram, Rashaun’s Real World co-star, Theo King-Bradley, wrote: “Finally can say something. I’ve been doing everything else to keep my mind off the fact that you’re not here.
Anika famously appeared in MTV’s Real World Seattle: Bad Blood and The Challenge (Image: Instagram)
“I’ve genuinely been sad as hell since hearing you passed. I’m sad I didn’t get to see you one last time. But the last time and conversation we had with each other, I can cherish and play it back in my mind to smile.”
He concluded, “I could never forget you. But for now, until the end, I have photos and videos to relive you. Love you, Lil Mama.”
Fans and friends have also responded in the comments on several of Rashaun’s final Instagram posts. “Rest in Peace, QUEEN – we love you always,” wrote one. “My heart hurts,” added a second.