A BELOVED reality show star has died unexpectedly aged just 34.
Mexican beauty María Reneé Núñez rose to fame after winning the first season of La Isla – which translates as The Island – in 2012.
The cause of María’s death remains a mystery as tributes pour in to the late star.
Her passing was confirmed by her sister Alma leaving her social media fans shocked.
María was born in Hermosillo, Mexico, and was the second of four siblings.
She studied graphic design and was passionate about sports, especially cycling, volleyball, and softball.
Her family says she loved her a healthy lifestyle as she enjoyed going to the beach to keep fit.
María found fame when she won the TV show, taking home 100,000 mexican pesos – or £4,200 – in prize money.
After her victory, she pursued a career in entertainment and social media influencing but had kept a low profile in recent years.
Her last social media post, on April 28, was a couple of snaps of herself with her partner Diego, NeedToKnow reports.
Several stars in the Mexican entertainment industry have since been sharing their tributes online.
One of her close friends, model and TV presenter Tania Rincón, described her as “so unique, so creative, so caring”.
She wrote: “I cherish all the joy you gave me with your antics.”
The La Isla team wrote on social media: “She will be remembered by all.”
“La Isla: El Reality,” which premiered in 2012, is a Mexican reality TV show following the same format as American show “Survivor”.
Contestants, including a mix of celebrities, are placed in remote, exotic locations, often tropical islands, where they must survive with limited resources.
The show features a series of physical and mental challenges, where teams compete for rewards and immunity to avoid elimination.
Each episode usually concludes with an elimination, either through votes from peers or losing a critical challenge.
The dynamic among diverse contestants and the scenic, challenging environments contribute to the show’s popularity.
Hosted by various personalities over its seasons, “La Isla” has become known for its intense competition, strategic gameplay, and the drama that unfolds among participants.