Clay Adler, MTV Reality Star, Dies of Apparent Suicide at 27

Adler appeared on MTV’s “Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County” in 2007

Clay Adler
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Clay Adler, who starred in the MTV reality show “Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County,” died last month at the age of 27.

A representative for the Los Angeles County Coroner told TheWrap that Adler died of a gunshot wound to the head. According to the autopsy, Adler died of a suicide.

Adler was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. on March 26. The shooting incident took place the previous day just before 3 p.m., and Adler was transported to the hospital.

According to TMZ, Adler went shooting in the desert with his friends on March 25 when he turned the gun and shot himself in the head. He died in the hospital the next day of a gunshot wound.

Sources told TMZ that there were no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time although he had struggled with mental health issues in the past. His father, Frank Adler, confirmed to People that his son passed away from suicide and that no substances were found in his system.

In a statement to TheWrap, MTV said, “We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

TMZ reported that Adler was honored by family and friends in Newport last weekend, as they paddled out into the ocean to pay respects to the former avid surfer.

Adler appeared on the 2007 reality TV show as himself among Chrissy Schwartz, Allie Stockton and Grant Newman. Aside from that, he starred in the TV Movie “The Fish Tank” and in one episode of the TV series “Make It or Break It.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner — Coroner has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment on the cause of death.

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