“Married at First Sight” star Ryan de Nino has reportedly died at 40.
A family member said on Friday that the reality TV personality passed away “suddenly” in New Jersey “earlier this week.” The family has indicated they will not be releasing further details about de Nino’s death.
His sister, Melissa DeNino, took to Facebook with a tribute to the TV star, writing that he “was so damn funny and witty.”
She added, along with childhood photos, “He was fiercely loyal to those he loved. He had a huge heart, always. I can’t explain what it’s like to lose a sibling. Someone who’s been there from the beginning and shares the same memories. No matter what we were going through, I loved him immensely. Life as I know it will never be the same.”
De Nino appeared on Season 2 of the FYI network’s social experiment series, which matches strangers to marry upon their first meeting at the altar. He was paired with Jessica Castro, then 30, a receptionist from Brooklyn, while de Nino was a Staten Island businessman.
The couple’s tumultuous relationship became one of the most controversial in franchise history. Castro filed for divorce from de Nino before Decision Day, alleging he had threatened to kill her and her family. She later obtained a restraining order against him.
Castro also publicly accused de Nino of infidelity during their brief marriage. The allegations prompted significant media coverage and led to legal proceedings between the former spouses.
In the viral moment that defined their season, Castro confronted de Nino during the reunion special about the alleged threats and cheating. The exchange escalated quickly, with both parties trading accusations in front of the cameras. The incident became a touchstone for discussions about the ethics of the show’s format and the duty of care owed to participants.
De Nino had largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years following the legal fallout from his appearance. His death marks one of the first fatalities among the American cast members of the long-running franchise.
The “Married at First Sight” franchise continues to air new seasons, with the Boston-set Season 6 having premiered in 2018 and subsequent installments expanding to additional cities. The show remains a cornerstone of Lifetime’s programming.
Castro has not publicly commented on de Nino’s death as of Friday.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve. No funeral or memorial plans have been announced.