MTV Star Clay Adler Reportedly Commits Suicide

Clay Adler is dead at 27.

TMZ reported that the former star of MTV's Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County (2007) traveled to the desert to practice shooting with friends on March 25, 2017. While the group was shooting, Adler allegedly turned his gun on himself and fired.

He reportedly died at a hospital the next day. According to TMZ, no drugs or alcohol were found in his system—though, they note, he had a history of mental illness.

MTV addressed the news of Adler's passing in a statement. "We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler's passing," MTV said (via E! News). "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

Adler had previously expressed hopes of breaking into the entertainment industry. He told the OC Register, "I'm interested in the whole aspect, whether it be in front of the camera or behind."

According to TMZ, Adler's family and friends honored his life—and his love of surfing—with a paddle out in Newport Beach, Calif.

Our thoughts are with Adler's loved ones during this difficult time.