Michael Fortunato, ‘Catfish’ Alum, Dead At 26

Michael Fortunato, a 26-year-old who appeared on a recent episode of MTV’s Catfish, died on Saturday at a Connecticut hospital. He was 26.

Fortunato died at Hartford Hospital on Saturday after suffering a pulmonary embolism, reported MTV News. In addition to deep vein thrombosis, it’s believed that obesity and cardiomyopathy contributed to Fortunato’s death. An official autopsy report has yet to be released.

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

Fortunato appeared on Catfish in September on the episode titled “Ashley and Mike,” in which he was united with his seven-year online girlfriend Ashley Sawyer. Sawyer was in contact with Fortunato on the day of his death, and had received a text from him saying that he was contemplating going to the hospital.

Eventually, Fortunato decided to make the trip to the hospital, but got into an accident en route. He was taken by paramedics from the scene of the crash to Hartford Hospital, where he later passed away.

– Chelsea Regan

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