MTV's Catfish Star Ashley Sawyer Dies Aged 23

A reality star who appeared on MTV's show Catfish has died aged 23, the channel has confirmed.

Ashley Sawyer was featured during the second season of the TV docuseries, which helps people in suspicious online relationships discover the truth about their partners.

According to MTV, the cause of Ms Sawyer's death is not known.

On her episode, she met her long-time digital companion Michael Fortunato in person for the first time and it emerged they had both used altered images of themselves since their relationship had begun in an online chatroom.

Only a month after their programme was broadcast, Mr Fortunato died at the age of 26 from a pulmonary embolism.

During a catch-up episode in the years that followed, Ms Sawyer revealed that she had been struggling with addiction and had undergone treatment at a rehabilitation clinic.

Max Joseph, who presents Catfish, tweeted: "Shocked and saddened by the death of Ashley Sawyer. So sweet and kind. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

His co-host, Nev Schulman, added: "So sad to lose both Mike & Ashley. I hope they are happy & together now where nothing can hurt them."

MTV has offered its condolences to Ms Sawyer's family and friends.