'Catfish' Star Michael Fortunato Dies at 26

This is so sad! MTV has confirmed that Michael Fortunato, who appeared in the season 2 episode of Catfish: The TV Show "Ashley and Mike", has died at the age of 26.

Via MTV News:

Michael Fortunato, died in Hartford, Connecticut, Saturday from a pulmonary embolism, MTV News has learned. The 26-year-old New Jersey native starred in the "Ashley and Mike" episode from season two, which followed he and 20-year-old Ashley Sawyer as they met for the first time after being in a seven-year online relationship.

An autopsy has yet to be released, but Mike's younger sister, Gena, confirmed the death to MTV News Monday night. A spokesperson for the Farmington, Connecticut, chief medical examiner's office told MTV News that Fortunato died at Hartford Hospital as a result of a pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Michael Fortunato," read a statement from an MTV spokesperson. "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

This is such a shame. He was so kind in his episode! RIP.