‘Naked and Afraid’ Contestant Melanie Rauscher’s Cause of Death Revealed

Eve Vawter
8 Comments
‘Naked and Afraid’ Contestant Melanie Rauscher’s Cause of Death Revealed
Discovery

The report from the Yavapai County Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of death for Naked And Afraid contestant Melanie Rauscher, who died in July in Arizona.

According to TMZ, she died of difluoroethane toxicity, and cans of dust cleaner were discovered next to her body while she was dog-sitting at a residence while the homeowners were on vacation. The report says the Naked and Afraid contestant “inhaled the toxic propellant, leaving her unresponsive” and drugs and alcohol were not involved.

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Rauscher appeared on the hit Discovery Channel reality show in 2013 and then again in 2015 in the spinoff series, Naked and Afraid XL. The series puts people in the middle of nowhere and then takes away the clothes off their backs. Two survivalists are tasked with surviving 21 days.

Her co-contestant in Africa, Jeremy McCaa posted a note about Rauscher recently to his Facebook Page, thanking Discovery “for having a special touch added to this season in honor of Mel.” He also wrote, “she was a beast of a woman that couldn’t be tamed and thought outside of the box. I love you Mel.”

Rauscher served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt CVN-17 during the Iraq War and she was employed at the Prescott VA Medical Center at the time of her passing. She was also an athlete, Eagles fan, and a “natural comedian,” according to her obituary.

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration toll-free number: 1-800-662 HELP (4357).

Naked and AfraidNaked and Afraid XL



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  1. C

    CyanTree

    Melanie my husband and I thought you were awesome! You were funny, a hard worker, and a hella of a survivor! We actually talk and say we wish you and Jeremy would get married. Y’all were so good together. You are gone way too early, and what ever the circumstances, you were the best, and I know we will never forget you. You were just an AWESOME person, partner and player. Prayers and hugs to your families and friends who I know are mourning you.

    13 2

  2. C

    CyanAirBalloon

    She was a awesome player. On naked and afraid

    Her and Jeremy were good together. MAY YOUR BODY REST IN PEACE. WHILE YOUR SPIRIT FLYS HIGH .

    7

  3. C

    CyanGuitar

    I agree!!! She was one of my sister's! and my favorite. So sad and send warm wishes to her family and friends left behind....

    RIP MELANIE ;(

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  4. O

    OlivePaw

    No drugs involved but she died getting high.... 🤨 it's an addictive chemical therefore a drug.

    11 9

  5. B

    BlueBeer

    Wow That’s sad

    2

  6. L

    Lilmeggymeg

    RIP my Philly sister ❤️

  7. P

    PurplePuzzle

    Rest In Peace sister.

    GOD bless you.

  8. B

    BlueLocomotive

    I think you

    2