‘Project Runway’ Tragedies: Most Shocking Deaths Through the Years

Project Runway fans have mourned the deaths of some of the franchise’s memorable stars over the years.

The competition show, which has aired on Bravo and Lifetime, follows aspiring fashion designers competing in various challenges for a chance to break into the industry. Winners have gone on to appear on Project Runway spinoffs and worked at various high-end fashion brands.

Season 1 contestant Wendy Pepper became a fan favorite and after placing third in the competition. She later appeared on the second season of Project Runway: All Stars before her death in 2017 at age 53.

Bravo executive Andy Cohen reacted to the news of Pepper’s passing, writing via X, “#RIP one of the first of many great characters to appear on #ProjectRunway. She was a big reason for the first season’s success.”

Years later, season 18 alum ShaVi Lewis, died at age 38 in February 2025. A cause of death was not immediately revealed.

Keep scrolling for the most heartbreaking Project Runway tragedies over the years:

The hairstylist, who appeared on multiple seasons of the reality show, died by suicide at age 45 in 2016. 

After appearing on Project Runway and Project Runway: All Stars, Knight died in 2017 at the age of 39. Knight was treated for intestinal issues at a Georgia hospital before his death.

“We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend, and uncle. Mychael meant everything to us and we loved him dearly. He was generous and so full of life. This is how we choose to remember his legacy,” his family said in a statement.

According to an obituary, Pepper died peacefully in 2017 and was surrounded by family — including her daughter Finley.

“She was an artist who proudly forged her own path in life,” the tribute read. “A finalist on season one of Project Runway, Wendy designed and hand-sewed exceptionally beautiful clothes for children and adults. She was a chef, a writer, and a life-long entrepreneur. Her wit and humor were unmatched, as was her generosity of spirit.”

The Project Runway season 4 star struggled with health issues following a serious accident in 2017. He fell and hit his head at home, which knocked him unconscious and caused him to be placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks. March woke up to learn that he was paralyzed from the knees down in both legs, as well as his right arm. He was placed in a nursing facility, where he suffered a heart attack and died at age 56 in 2019.

The celebrity hair and makeup artist known for his work on Project Runway died from a heart attack at age 52 in 2020.  

“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm makeup artist Scott Patric has passed,” read a statement. “He was found today in his bed after not responding to calls. His talent, creativity and warmth were limitless. He will be greatly missed.” 

During season 10 of Project Runway, Kosuke decided to leave the show early after discovering that fellow contestant Andrea Katz had pulled out of the competition in the middle of the night.

Kosuke’s friend confirmed in a 2020 Instagram post that he died after battling encephalopathy.

Five years after competing on season 18 of Project Runway, Lewis died at age 38 in February 2025. 

“I don’t have the words. My heart aches. The world and this industry will be dim without your light in it,” fellow contestant Brittany Allen wrote via Instagram at the time. “Your love, your laughter, and your continuous support no matter where we were in life was everything. Season 18 forever and ever. Rest in power @shavilewis. Love, your Brit Brat.”

The season 17 contestant was identified as a victim of a fatal shooting at Salt Lake City’s “No Kings” protest in June 2025. According to authorities, a preliminary investigation concluded that he was “not the intended target” and had been struck by an alleged peacekeeper.