Melanie Rauscher: Naked and Afraid star dies aged 35 under ‘mysterious circumstances’

She starred in two versions of the show

Naked and Afraid contestant Melanie Rauscher has died at the age of 35 in what officials have dubbed "mysterious circumstances." Rauscher was found dead at a friend's home in Prescott, Arizona, on July 17, where she was dogsitting while they were on holiday. Corey Kasun from the local police told reporters that the homeowners had returned home to find Rauscher dead in the guest bedroom. It was not immediately clear when she had died, but the dog was not harmed. Police did not find a suicide note or drug paraphernalia that would've suggested an overdose. [caption id="attachment_350225" align="alignnone" width="706"] Via Discovery Channel[/caption] Yavapai County Medical Examiner will look to identify a cause of death through an autopsy. Naked and Afraid, which streams on the Discovery Channel, sees contestants travel to inhospitable environments where they test their survival skills without luxuries or even their clothes. Rauscher appeared on the show in 2013 She also starred in 2014's Naked and Afraid XL, season 4, but tapped out after 13-days due to bad sunburn. Fellow castmate Jeremy McCaa said that he is "broken" following the news and described his friend as a "strong woman' and an "amazing person." "She came into my life in a way I can't explain," he wrote on social media. "We had such a chemistry on the show and it blossomed into a friendship that goes beyond words could describe." "Her laughter was one of a kind. Her friendship was amazing," he added. Talking directly to his friend, he wrote: "You're gone to soon and taken from us to early. You'll always be my Mel. I love you and I'll see you again one day. The world lost an amazing person. "See you again my Queen." Related links:

• Man convicted of murder after victim named him with dying breath
• Paddy Pimblett dedicates UFC London victory to friend that died by suicide
• Case of teen murdered by his mum and lover so 'horrifying' judge rules jurors will never have to return to court