Sam Sarpong Dies: 'Yo Momma' Co-Host & Beloved Model Found Below Colorado Street Bridge
Supermodel Sam Sarpong has died at the age of 40 after jumping off the Colorado Street Bridge.
Sarpong was found below the Pasadena, Calif. bridge Monday afternoon. Los Angeles County Medical Examiner spokesperson Ed Winter confirmed that Sarpong was found underneath what has colloquially become known as a "suicide bridge."
A witness reportedly saw Sarpong jump from the bridge, according to Winter.
In addition to modeling, Sarpong acted in and hosted many projects. He is known for roles in such films as Love Don't Cost a Thing, Anchor Baby, Farm House and many TV guest appearances in such shows as Bones, 24, Cold Case, Everybody Hates Chris, ER, NCIS, Boston Public Home Improvement and more.
He is perhaps most well known for co-hosting the first two seasons of MTV's Yo Momma with Wilmer Valderrama. The show featured people spouting "yo momma" jokes at each other in competition.
Sarpong's modeling experience included working with Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Gucci and Versace.
Sarpong is survived by June Sarpong, his sister.
Many fans and friends have taken to social media to mourn his loss:
A photo posted by Omari Hardwick (@omarihardwickofficial) on Oct 29, 2015 at 6:07am PDT
RIP Sam Sarpong. You never know what people are going through man. A simple "how have you been, you were just on my mind" can change a lot — #ForMyPeople (@MaleekBerry) October 29, 2015
You never really know what someone else is going through, or how much they're hurting inside. Just awful news https://t.co/wcJ8mHxlH6
— Charlene White (@CharleneWhite) October 29, 2015
So sad. Model/ actor Sam Sarpong ended his life on Monday. He was on OTR a half dozen times. So charming, so real, so sad. Damn #sicknotweak — Michael Landsberg (@heylandsberg) October 29, 2015
REST IN PEACE to my good friend Sam Sarpong. He played the photographer in my video for C.E.O. I'm lost for words pic.twitter.com/me6fTYMclG
— Adanna Duru (@adannaduru) October 29, 2015
So sad to hear about Sam Sarpong, people wonder why I always batter on about mental health, so sad man. — #OntopicTalkShow (@DearRobTV) October 29, 2015