It’s been revealed that MTV star Clay Adler died on 26 March after he shot himself in the head while in the desert with his friends.
According to TMZ, the Newport Harbour: The Real Orange County star was out shooting in the desert on 25 March, but then he took the gun to his head and shot himself.
A day later, the 27-year-old passed away in hospital.
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It has been reported that there were no drugs or alcohol in Clay’s system, but he did have a long battle with mental health issues.
His father Frank Adler, told US magazine People that his son had struggled with depression but the family thought he was doing OK. “There were no signs. No real signs,” he said. “He had been clean for several years.
“We saw him every minute of every day while he was there,” Frank says of the time he had with his son in hospital. Adding: “We had an amazing time with him at the hospital.”
Clay’s organs have been donated and already saved “four or five lives”, his dad revealed.
His friends are shocked and saddened by the news and paid their respects to him by paddling out to Newport Beach on their surfboards – a hobby Clay loved.
He was also close with Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence, as they both started out in Hollywood at the same time.
The reality show, which ran from 2007 until 2008, followed the lives of young teens in the wealthy town of Newport Beach in California.
Most of the series’ plot was centred around the romance between Clay and Chrissy Schwartz.
One of Clay’s castmates Allie Stockton posted a photo on Instagram of herself and Clay wearing fancy dress outfits, captioning it: “At a loss for words and truly heartbroken. We love you so much Clay. I do hope you’re in this outfit when I see you again.”
Clay also did some modelling work, and one of his photographer friends shared a message of condolence.
“Today i am saddened from the news that my friend/client #clayadler has passed away. RIP buddy,” he wrote.
Another one of his photographer pals, John Russo, also shared a photo with an emotional message.
He said: “Cherish your friends because you never know when one is going to leave.💔#clayadler”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSu2cYFlvl-/?tagged=clayadler
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MTV said in a statement: “We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler’s passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”