Home · Entertainment · Oct 24 archive
Reality TV Star Anika Rashaun Dies at 34
· Confirmed
In Short: Anika Rashaun, a reality TV star who pivoted to a career as a matchmaker, died at the age of 34 after battling cancer.
Anika Rashaun, a reality TV star who pivoted to a career as a matchmaker and dating coach, died at the age of 34 after battling cancer, according to multiple reports.
Rashaun, who appeared in MTV's 'Real World Seattle: Bad Blood' and 'The Challenge,' announced her cancer diagnosis on social media in October 2025.
Tributes have poured in for Rashaun, with friends and colleagues remembering her as a vibrant and passionate individual.
Cyndi Rich, one of Rashaun's closest friends, wrote on Facebook, 'Anika shined so bright. Being close to that light as one of her closest friends was a true blessing. She is a vibrant soul. I’ll love her and treasure the 16 years of memories forever.'
Rashaun's ex-boyfriend Will Groomes, who appeared with her in 'Real World Seattle: Bad Blood,' also shared his grief, noting that he was 'sad as hell since hearing you passed.'
Rashaun's longtime friend Tiara Ramos, who co-hosted a podcast with her called 'Breast Friends Forever: BFFs Battling BC,' wrote in a Substack essay that Rashaun was 'always so unapologetically herself' and fiercely loyal to those close to her.
Rashaun's career outside of reality TV included working as a matchmaker and dating coach, and she was the CEO of ASKANIKA LLC, a lifestyle, dating, and relationship coaching brand founded in 2017.
Rashaun's death was announced by friends on social media, and complete information on survivors was not immediately available.
Rashaun's mother had previously had breast cancer, but Rashaun had not been identified as high-risk or advised to prioritize mammograms.
In her final days, Rashaun was married to her boyfriend Kyle Rehn, whom she married on Valentine's Day.
Rashaun's friend Theo King-Bradley, who appeared with her in both 'Real World' and 'The Challenge,' posted a tribute on Instagram.
Rashaun's career in reality TV included appearances in 'Real World Seattle: Bad Blood' and 'The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions.'
What this adds
The news of Rashaun's death comes just months after another reality TV star, Tyler Duckworth, died at the age of 44.
What's confirmed
- 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.
- The Real World star Anika Rashaun has died at the age of 34.
What's still developing
- For The Real World 2016-2017 “bad blood” season, in which Real World housemates were eventually joined by people they considered nemeses, Rashaun was paired with her ex-boyfriend Will.
- The season paired cast members with people from their past; Rashaun’s counterpart was her former boyfriend of three years, Will Groomes.
- The title referenced the podcast the pair launched after Anika Rashaun received her cancer diagnosis last summer.
- She praised Rashaun’s determination, recalling how she moved to Thailand without knowing anyone, went skydiving on a first date, and began building businesses as a child.
- In her letter, Ramos also expressed that she was heartbroken and angry after Rashaun’s passing.
- In August, two-time ‘Challenge’ champ Tyler Duckworth died at the age of 44, just weeks after attending a “Challenge Mania” fan event in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- “Today, I want to honor my best friend for the woman she was and the life she lived,” Tiara continued.