Sam Sarpong: June Sarpong pays tribute to late MTV presenter and Tommy Hilfiger model

Sarpong had a successful career on screen and on the catwalk

Thursday 29 October 2015 10:05 GMT

(AP)

June Sarpong has said the passing of her brother Sam Saprong, the late British-American MTV presenter, “is a loss for the world”.

Sarpong had a successful modelling and acting career before his untimely death. The 40-year-old lived in Pasadena, California, and died after falling from a bridge on Thursday. Police in Pasadena spent seven hours attempting to talk him down from the ledge of the bridge, and his death is being treated as an apparent suicide.

June, a panellist on Loose Women and a former T4 presenter, paid tribute to her brother as an “amazing human being”.

“I love my brother very much,” she said in a statement.

“I’d ask anyone who is going through tough times to seek help. Please talk to someone.

“My family and I are in a state of shock, please allow us to grieve in private. Thank you for all your messages of condolence.”

Sarpong was born in London and moved to Los Angeles with his father Samuel aged 11, according to Variety.

He modelled for high-fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna.

His first TV role was in the sitcom My So Called Life in 1994. He appeared in the TV series Bones and Cold Case, as well as making appearances on ER, Veronica Mars, and 24.

He is most widely known for hosting the MTV show Yo Momma alongside Wilmer Valderrama. He also presented backstage coverage at the BET Awards, giving an award to an artist on stage in 2013.

Notable deaths in 2015

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1/28Notable deaths in 2015

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Lemmy

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Yvonne Craig,

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Justin Wilson,

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Valderrama paid tribute to his friend on Instagram, who he said “did it all [and] believed in dreaming bigger than anyone around him.”

“You were a light everywhere you went and I couldn't be more proud of the journey you traveled.. You just left us too early Sam.. We will miss you and pray for you.. Once again thank you for all those years you dedicated to our show, we couldn't have done it without you! Find your peace my brother!”

Vernon Kay, June’s former co-host, said he was in “total shock” over the death.

Sarpong filmed scenes for American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, which is due for release next year.

Anyone in need of confidential support can contact the Samaritans in the UK 24 hours a day for free on 116 123, by email on jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting www.samaritans.org.