Sam Sarpong, Model And TV Personality, Dies In Apparent Suicide At 40

Sam Sarpong,the model-turned-actor and TV personality, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 40.

Sam Sarpong Dies

Sarpong’s death was announced in a statement by his rep.

“It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away,” the rep said. “The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”

Pasadena law enforcement and fire officials responded to calls of a man on the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday. Police identified the man as Sarpong, and managed to get family members to the scene, who “provided background regarding his emotional state,” according to a police statement.

“Tragically, after approximately seven hours of communication, the male jumped from the bridge,” the police statement reads. “He was pronounced deceased by Pasadena Fire Paramedics at 3:52 p.m.”

A final cause of death is pending toxicology reports, according to USA Today.

Sarpong was best known for serving as the face of Tommy Hilfiger for a number of years and hosting MTV’s Yo Momma for three seasons with Wilmer Valderamma. Sarpong’s modeling career also included gigs with Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Donna Karan.

As an actor, Sarpong made appearances in films such as Love Don’t Cost a Thing and on TV in Bones, Cold Case, 24 and NCIS. He is slated to appear in Ryan Murphy‘s forthcoming American Crime Story series, which will premiere in 2016.

Sarpong is survived by his sister, June Sarpong, who is a well-known British TV presenter.