Anika Rashaun, the reality star who rose to fame on MTV's The Real World and The Challenge before becoming a dating coach and relationship advisor, passed away on October 1 due to breast cancer. She was 34.
The news of her death was shared by close friends on social media. Cyndi Rich wrote on Facebook: Anika shone so bright. Being near that light as one of her closest friends was a true blessing. She is a vibrant soul. I will love and cherish the 16 years of memories forever.
Diagnosis and final months
According to a tribute posted on Substack by her friend Tiara Ramos, Rashaun was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer last summer. Ramos wrote that her world feels dim and blurry without her, and described the urge she still feels to FaceTime her as a reflex she cannot help. She also expressed her grief thinking about what Rashaun's husband, parents, and loved ones are feeling at this time.
Her time on The Real World and The Challenge
Rashaun first appeared on television at age 24 on The Real World Seattle: Bad Blood, which aired on MTV in 2016. The following year, she returned to compete on The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions.
In that season of The Real World, known for reuniting housemates with people they considered their nemeses, Rashaun was paired with her ex-boyfriend Will. The season's official synopsis described the pair as opposites who did not mesh, noting that they had dated for three years and that, during that time, Anika felt constantly frustrated because Will could not match her dominant personality.
After the end of that season, Rashaun, a native of New York City, moved to Los Angeles. Leveraging the fan base she had gained from the show, she built a lifestyle brand that would eventually include matchmaking and dating advice services. Although she maintained a cordial relationship with Will, she lost touch with him after the show aired.
In 2017, she returned to the MTV universe to participate in The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions, a competition from which she was eliminated in the third episode.
Tributes from her former castmates
Theo King-Bradley, who shared the cast with Rashaun on both The Real World and The Challenge, posted a tribute message on Instagram. In his post, King-Bradley wrote that he had been trying to distract himself to avoid thinking about the fact that she is no longer here, that he has felt deeply saddened since learning of her passing, and that he regrets not being able to see her one last time, though he treasures the last conversation they had together.
Her career after television
Following her time on The Challenge, Rashaun resumed her work as a dating coach and host of a lifestyle podcast. According to her Instagram account, she also studied to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Rashaun married her partner, Kyle Rehn, on February 14 of this year. So far, no complete information has been released regarding her surviving family members.
Frequently asked questions about Anika Rashaun
How did Anika Rashaun die?
Anika Rashaun passed away on October 1 due to breast cancer. According to the testimony of a close friend, she had been diagnosed with stage 4 of the disease during the summer before her death.
Which MTV shows did Anika Rashaun appear on?
Rashaun participated in The Real World Seattle: Bad Blood in 2016 and The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions in 2017, both produced by MTV.
How old was Anika Rashaun when she died?
Anika Rashaun was 34 years old at the time of her passing.
What did Anika Rashaun do after television?
After her time on television, she became a professional matchmaker, dating advice columnist, and relationship coach, in addition to hosting a lifestyle podcast. She also studied to practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Was Anika Rashaun married?
Yes, Rashaun married her partner, Kyle Rehn, on February 14 of this year.
