Over the weekend, Jamie Coots, who starred in the National Geographic Channel reality series “Snake Salvation” died of a snake-bite wound. The show, which followed two preachers who use live snakes in their church services, aired last summer, though the network had no plans for a second season.
Coots certainly isn’t the first star of a reality TV show — which often follow people in high-stakes situations — to tragically pass away. Here are 10 of the genre’s other notable deaths.
Steve Irwin, “The Crocodile Hunter”
The beloved Australian wildlife expert died in 2006 at age 44 when he was pierced in the chest by a stingray while snorkeling.
Shain Gandee, “Buckwild”
Phil Harris, “Deadliest Catch”
The sea captain died in 2010 after suffering a stroke while unloading crab in Alaska. His death and a tribute episode was featured in the Discovery Channel series.
Gia Allemand, “The Bachelor”
Russell Armstrong, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
The husband of cast member Taylor Armstrong hanged himself in 2011. Bravo re-edited the upcoming season, which featured the couple’s marital problems.
Jenni Rivera, “I Love Jenni”
Mindy McCready, “Celebrity Rehab”
Tim Samaras, “Storm Chasers”
The veteran storm chaser was killed, along with son Paul and chase partner Carl Young, pursuing a tornado in Oklahoma in June. He previously appeared on the Discovery Channel show, which ended in 2011.