Ryan De Nino, who became known to television audiences through Lifetime’s Married at First Sight, has died suddenly at the age of 40.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that De Nino died earlier this week in New Jersey. The family has not released further information about the circumstances surrounding his death, and no cause of death has been disclosed.
News of his passing was followed by an emotional tribute from his sister, Melissa De Nino, who remembered her brother for his humor, loyalty and generous heart.
Melissa described Ryan as “funny and witty” and said he was fiercely loyal to the people he loved. She also reflected on the unique bond between siblings and the difficulty of losing someone who had shared her life and memories from the beginning. She said her brother’s death had changed her life forever.
De Nino entered the public spotlight in 2015 when he appeared on the second season of Married at First Sight, which was set in New York City and Northern New Jersey. At the time, he was a 29-year-old businessman who was matched with Jessica Castro.
Like other participants on the reality series, De Nino met his prospective spouse for the first time at the altar. He and Castro went through with the wedding and initially chose to remain married when the season reached its decision point.
Their relationship ultimately ended, however, and the pair divorced later in 2015. Their breakup became one of the more contentious stories connected to the show’s second season. Castro later sought a restraining order, making allegations concerning De Nino that he disputed at the time.
Following his time on the program, De Nino largely stepped away from the spotlight, but his appearance on Married at First Sight continued to make him recognizable to fans of the series.
His death has now brought renewed attention to his life beyond the television program, particularly through the memories shared by his family.
His sister’s tribute portrayed him not simply as a reality television personality, but as a brother whose humor, loyalty and personality left a lasting impression on those closest to him.
Jessica Castro has also responded to news of De Nino’s death. In a statement reported by Page Six, she said she had not been in contact with him for years but expressed her condolences to his family and wished him peace.
The circumstances of De Nino’s death remain private at the request of his family. Until additional information is released, speculation about the cause should be avoided.
For those who knew him personally, Ryan De Nino’s death represents the loss of a brother, family member and friend. For television viewers, he will be remembered as one of the participants whose story became part of the early history of Married at First Sight.
At 40, his sudden passing has left his family and those who knew him confronting a painful loss, with his sister’s tribute offering a glimpse into the person remembered by those closest to him.
