Johnny Bananas Attends Tyler Duckworth’s Funeral With Challenge Stars

Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio was among those who gathered Saturday to remember his longtime friend and fellow The Challenge star Tyler Duckworth.

Duckworth, who died August 11 at age 44, was laid to rest during a memorial service held August 22 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The service brought together family, friends and members of the reality television community who knew Duckworth throughout his years on MTV.

Bananas appeared to attend the service and later shared an emotional glimpse from inside the memorial on Instagram. His post showed the casket surrounded by flowers, along with a heartfelt message honoring his longtime friend.

“Lights will guide you home,” Bananas wrote. “And I hope wherever they lead you, you know how deeply you were loved, and how much of you we’ll carry with us forever.”

He ended the tribute with, “Rest easy, brother.”

The emotional farewell comes after Bananas previously opened up about the special bond he shared with Duckworth. The two first met while filming The Real World: Key West in 2006 and went on to become longtime friends and The Challenge competitors. They ultimately won The Challenge: Rivals together in 2011.

Bananas previously described Duckworth as “the brother I never had” while paying tribute to him following his death. (People.com)

Fellow Challenge veteran Tina Barta was also in attendance at Duckworth’s funeral, joining others from the franchise in honoring the reality TV star and remembering his impact on their lives.

Barta previously shared her own emotional tribute to Duckworth, reflecting on how their shared experience on The Challenge grew into a lasting friendship and sense of family. (TVLine)

Duckworth first became known to MTV viewers through The Real World: Key West before competing on six seasons of The Challenge. He became a two-time champion, winning Cutthroat and Rivals. (Us Weekly)

His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former castmates, friends and fans. The cause of death has not yet been determined. (Us Weekly)