Reality TV vet Kirk Medas has died at 33. 

Medas was known for appearing on several seasons of MTV’s Floribama Shore, a Jersey Shore spinoff set in the Florida Panhandle that aired from 2017 to 2021. He had been hospitalized with a severe case of necrotizing pancreatitis and sepsis and was on a ventilator prior to his death, according to an Instagram update posted by his Floribama Shore co-star Nilsa Prowant. 

Tributes to Medas quickly poured in following his death.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kirk Medas, a beloved member of the Floribama Shore family,” read a statement from the show’s official Instagram account. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”

“I miss you already Kirk. Those chipmunk cheeks that’ll make any woman smile. Fly high Kirky Kirk. Love you,” fellow Floribama Shore star Candace Rice wrote in a comment on the post.

In a statement, Floribama Shore producer SallyAnn Salsano said she was “heartbroken” by the loss. “Kirk brought light, laughter, and loyalty to every moment – both on screen and off,” read a post on Instagram. “He was more than a cast member; he was family.”

Medas’ Floribama Shore co-star Aimee Elizabeth Hall also shared a statement on her Instagram on behalf of the cast prior to his death. 

“We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out to us— @nilsaprowant @thisiscandacerenee @mattielynnbreaux @code_eye10 and @guscalebsmyrnios —regarding @kirkmedas If we haven’t responded yet, please know it’s only because we’ve been overwhelmed with calls and messages,” the message read. “Every comment, prayer, and kind word has meant the world to us. Your love and support have not gone unnoticed. We truly believe Kirk will walk out of this, and your faith is helping carry us through. We’ll return messages as soon as we can. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

In an Instagram post from early March, Medas revealed that he’d made some major life changes in the past year. 

“Lost a lot the past year but stayed resilient through it all,” he wrote. “Mind, body, spirit. Changing my lifestyle completely was the start. Putting down the bottle and picking up the Bible was the best thing I ever done. My only regret is not making such changes earlier on in life. Still far from perfect but my mind is so much more clear. This is the loneliness men should go through. Me vs me.”

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