The Real World star Anika Rashaun has died at the age of 34, weeks before her 35th birthday, after a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. Her friend Tiara Ramos confirmed the news in a Substack message.
Friend's tribute and diagnosis
In her tribute, Ramos wrote: "Last summer, my best friend and sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Her diagnosis was a shock." She added that despite Rashaun's mother having breast cancer years earlier, Rashaun "was never identified as high-risk or told by her doctors to prioritise mammograms," describing it as "one of the many failures she experienced within the medical system during her time battling cancer."
Ramos continued: "My world already feels dulled and blurred without her. The urge to pick up the phone and FaceTime her is a reflex I can’t shake. Knowing the pain her husband, her parents, her loved ones, and her community are feeling right now makes me sick. I am angry. I am heartbroken. I am devastated."
Remembering Anika on her birthday
It was revealed that Anika died on October 1. Friends remembered her on what would have been her 35th birthday. One friend said on Facebook that Rashaun "lived her years fully with a stacked calendar, juggling all her dreams, invites from friends, and always showing up," adding: "It breaks my heart that Anika’s journey ended the way it did. She deserves so much more."
Another friend praised her "free spirit and joy for life" and her "fairytale" February wedding to husband Kyle, writing: "The love you and Kyle share is truly magical, and I know you will see each other again. The young love being found and ripped from your hands has to be my hardest part to accept."
Career and legacy
Anika appeared on Real World Seattle: Bad Blood in 2016, where her "Bad Blood" was her ex-boyfriend of three years, Will Groomes. She also featured on The Challenge. After her reality TV spell, she became a professional matchmaker and launched her own lifestyle, relationship, and entertainment brand, ASKANIKA.
Following her wedding, Anika said on Instagram: "The day was literally a dream filled with the best moments," and two weeks later added: "Kyle and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day!"
