An autopsy has confirmed that Buckwild star Shain Gandee and
two other men died of carbon monoxide poisoning after the SUV they were
riding in became partially submerged in deep mud.
A friend of Gandee's found the bodies of the 21-year-old, his uncle David Gandee, 48, and Donald Robert Myers, 27, who were last seen at a bar in Sissonville, West Virginia, at about 3am on Sunday morning.
Gandee's Ford Bronco was found more than a day later in deep mud off a dirt road, not far from the reality star's home.
Dead at 21: Buckwild star Shain Gandee has been found dead in a vehicle in West Virginia
Tragedy:
Cara Parrish, right, Gandee's love interest on Buckwild, took to
Twitter on Monday to say: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt'
Horrific
discovery: A close friend of Gandee's found the bodies of the
21-year-old, his uncle David Gandee, 48, center, and Donald Robert
Myers, 27, right
The
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said today that the death of each of
the men was accidental and the cause was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities said the exhaust pipe was buried in mud, causing the deadly gas to seep into the vehicle.
On
the Gandee's General Store Facebook page, his cousin Ashley posted: 'I
just wanted to let everyone know that the family feels that Shain died
peacefully in his sleep without pain or suffering.
'They are making arrangement (sic) now for his funeral. Nothing is confirmed but they are thinking Saturday. So private or public hasn't been decided I will try to keep everyone updated.'
The news came at the same time of an outpouring of support and prayers for Gandee by fellow castmembers and other MTV reality stars, who regarded him as a kind man with a big heart.
Cara Parrish, Gandee's heartbroken love interest on Buckwild, tweeted: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt. Please pray for [Gandee's parents] Dale and Loretta.'
Wreck: Gandees Ford Bronco was pulled out of the muddy ditch later Monday
Tragedy: Authorities found the 1984 Ford Bronco that belonged to Gandee in a ditch with all three men inside
Jenny 'JWOWW' Farley posted: 'That's awful that shain passed... He was just a baby.'
Her castmate Pauly D added: 'Damn RIP Shain From @MTV Buckwild ,, Too Young To Die !!! He Was A Funny Dude.'
Meanwhile, shooting for the second season of 'BUCKWILD' had begun prior to the accident, but MTV spokeswoman Candice Ashton told MailOnline that filming has now been suspended.
She declined to provide details on the future of the show, but said that the network's thoughts 'continue to be with Shain's family first and foremost.'
Mssing: The news comes 31 hours after the reality star was reported missing
Recovery: Authorities needed ATVs to reach the vehicle, due to the muddy terrain
It is believed that the three men died of carbon monoxide poisoning, but autopsy results are pending.
Now struck with funeral costs, Gandee's family has organized a fundraiser to cover burial expenses.
TMZ reported that his cousin Ashley is putting together an off-road trucking event to raise money for the Gandee family.
Buckwild, in which Shane is nicknamed Gandee Candy, has been dubbed the 'Redneck Jersey Shore.'
The reality show follows Shain and eight other young adults in Virginia, all of whom love small-town American life.
In mourning: Friends and neighbors walk up and down the gravel road leading to Shain Gandee's home in Sissonville, West Virginia
Gandee in particular shunned cell phones and social media, and was happiest when he was hunting and four-wheeling, according to the West Virginia Gazette.
His father told Buckwild producers that his son 'died doing what he loved,' according to ABC News.
Neighbor Swanna Frampton, who had known him since he was a small child, told the AP: 'Shain always rides with these kids in four-wheelers and trucks. They were just out riding and having a good time.'
Frampton said Gandee 'loved to live and have fun. He was a great person. He did what [the show] wanted him to do, but he wasn't like that. He was a real person. If you needed help, if [you] needed something, he would come help you no matter what.'
Living
the life: Gandee in particular shunned cell phones and social media,
and was happiest when he was hunting and four-wheeling
Authorities
had been searching for the men since early Sunday morning. They were
last seen around 3am on Sunday at Larry's Bar in Sissonville and they
told people they were going driving off-road.
Kanawha County Sheriff's Department Cpl B.D. Humphreys said state police were getting ready to send out an aviation unit to search for the men when authorities received a call Monday morning that a vehicle was found wrecked a few miles from Gandee's home in Sissonville, about 15 miles outside of Charleston.
Authorities found the 1984 Ford Bronco that belonged to Gandee in a muddy ditch with all three men inside. Gandee was in the driver's seat.
The terrain in the area was 'very muddy, very rough,' Humphreys said.
WSAZ reported that investigators needed ATVs to get to the vehicle.
Tragic:
Shain and his uncle David, who was also found dead, had decided to go
four-wheeling after heading to a bar in the town of Sissonville
Investigation:
The terrain in the area was very muddy and rough, and authorities had
to use all-terrain vehicles to get to the site
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said the news was devastating for the small community near Charleston.
'It's a very sad day for the Sissonville area and for these families,' he said. 'This is a small community, and most of us know directly members of these families. We're keeping them in our hearts and prayers.'
In a statement, MTV said: 'We are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Shain Gandee, and those involved in this tragic incident. We are waiting for more information but at this time, our main concern is for the Gandee family and their friends.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Shain had a magnetic personality, with a passion for life that touched everyone he met and we will miss him dearly.'
Rural life: Buckwild follows Shain and eight other young adults in Virginia who love small-town American life
MTV said the half-hour series in the old Jersey Shore time slot was pulling in about 3 million viewers per episode since its premiere and was the No. 1 original cable series on Thursday nights among 12- to 34-year-olds.
Recently, two of Gandee's classmates have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Last week, 24-year-old Salwa Amin was sent back to jail for violating the terms of her bond following a February arrest.
She was charged with two counts of drug possession with intent to deliver and initially jailed on $200,000 bond.
That was later reduced to $100,000, but Amin remained behind bars without bond Monday.
State Police said a multi-agency task force arrested Amin and two other people at a Summersville residence after getting a tip from an informant.
A search found oxycodone pills, heroin and $3,000 in cash.
Another cast mate, Michael Douglas Burford, was charged in February with driving under the influence.
Co-stars: The show, dubbed the Redneck Jersey Shore, debuted on January 3 and had been renewed for a second season
A friend of Gandee's found the bodies of the 21-year-old, his uncle David Gandee, 48, and Donald Robert Myers, 27, who were last seen at a bar in Sissonville, West Virginia, at about 3am on Sunday morning.
Gandee's Ford Bronco was found more than a day later in deep mud off a dirt road, not far from the reality star's home.
Dead at 21: Buckwild star Shain Gandee has been found dead in a vehicle in West VirginiaTragedy:
Cara Parrish, right, Gandee's love interest on Buckwild, took to
Twitter on Monday to say: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt'Horrific
discovery: A close friend of Gandee's found the bodies of the
21-year-old, his uncle David Gandee, 48, center, and Donald Robert
Myers, 27, rightAuthorities said the exhaust pipe was buried in mud, causing the deadly gas to seep into the vehicle.
'They are making arrangement (sic) now for his funeral. Nothing is confirmed but they are thinking Saturday. So private or public hasn't been decided I will try to keep everyone updated.'
The news came at the same time of an outpouring of support and prayers for Gandee by fellow castmembers and other MTV reality stars, who regarded him as a kind man with a big heart.
Cara Parrish, Gandee's heartbroken love interest on Buckwild, tweeted: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt. Please pray for [Gandee's parents] Dale and Loretta.'
Wreck: Gandees Ford Bronco was pulled out of the muddy ditch later MondayTragedy: Authorities found the 1984 Ford Bronco that belonged to Gandee in a ditch with all three men insideHer castmate Pauly D added: 'Damn RIP Shain From @MTV Buckwild ,, Too Young To Die !!! He Was A Funny Dude.'
Meanwhile, shooting for the second season of 'BUCKWILD' had begun prior to the accident, but MTV spokeswoman Candice Ashton told MailOnline that filming has now been suspended.
She declined to provide details on the future of the show, but said that the network's thoughts 'continue to be with Shain's family first and foremost.'
Mssing: The news comes 31 hours after the reality star was reported missingRecovery: Authorities needed ATVs to reach the vehicle, due to the muddy terrainNow struck with funeral costs, Gandee's family has organized a fundraiser to cover burial expenses.
TMZ reported that his cousin Ashley is putting together an off-road trucking event to raise money for the Gandee family.
The reality show follows Shain and eight other young adults in Virginia, all of whom love small-town American life.
In mourning: Friends and neighbors walk up and down the gravel road leading to Shain Gandee's home in Sissonville, West VirginiaHis father told Buckwild producers that his son 'died doing what he loved,' according to ABC News.
Neighbor Swanna Frampton, who had known him since he was a small child, told the AP: 'Shain always rides with these kids in four-wheelers and trucks. They were just out riding and having a good time.'
Frampton said Gandee 'loved to live and have fun. He was a great person. He did what [the show] wanted him to do, but he wasn't like that. He was a real person. If you needed help, if [you] needed something, he would come help you no matter what.'
Living
the life: Gandee in particular shunned cell phones and social media,
and was happiest when he was hunting and four-wheelingKanawha County Sheriff's Department Cpl B.D. Humphreys said state police were getting ready to send out an aviation unit to search for the men when authorities received a call Monday morning that a vehicle was found wrecked a few miles from Gandee's home in Sissonville, about 15 miles outside of Charleston.
Authorities found the 1984 Ford Bronco that belonged to Gandee in a muddy ditch with all three men inside. Gandee was in the driver's seat.
The terrain in the area was 'very muddy, very rough,' Humphreys said.
WSAZ reported that investigators needed ATVs to get to the vehicle.
Tragic:
Shain and his uncle David, who was also found dead, had decided to go
four-wheeling after heading to a bar in the town of SissonvilleInvestigation:
The terrain in the area was very muddy and rough, and authorities had
to use all-terrain vehicles to get to the site'It's a very sad day for the Sissonville area and for these families,' he said. 'This is a small community, and most of us know directly members of these families. We're keeping them in our hearts and prayers.'
In a statement, MTV said: 'We are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Shain Gandee, and those involved in this tragic incident. We are waiting for more information but at this time, our main concern is for the Gandee family and their friends.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Shain had a magnetic personality, with a passion for life that touched everyone he met and we will miss him dearly.'
TWITTER TRIBUTES TO SHAIN FROM FELLOW MTV STARS
From Buckwild
Cara: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt. Please pray for Dale and Loretta.'
Joey: 'Prayers for the Shain's family and friends are needed #buckwild #PrayersfortheGandeeFamily," and "Everyone wear camo in memory of Shain!!! #BuckWild ##RIPSHAIN #PrayersfortheGandeeFamily #GandeeCandy.'
Tyler: 'God is with us always. Even though our buddy passed, he's in a better place. God is taking care of Shain now. #PrayForGandeeFamily ... thank you all for the support. means a lot to all of us.'
Katie: 'Everything doesn't happen for a reason I don't know why people say that.'
Ashley: 'Rip Shain Gandee. You are an angel, I know you will watch over me.'
Bluefoot: 'My hearts in a million god damn pieces you son of a b******* wanna make smart ass remarks. I love you Shain idk what I'm gonna do w.o. ya bro. Rest high on that mountain Shain I love you brother and miss you terribly already all I can think about is growin up thaxton holler together.'
From Jersey Shore
JWoww: 'That's awful that shain passed... He was just a baby. Rip. #Buckwild.'
Pauly D: 'Damn RIP Shain From @MTV Buckwild ,, Too Young To Die !!! He Was A Funny Dude.'
Vinny: 'Wow.RIP Shain Gandee from @mtv Buckwild. All my prayers and condolences.'
Deena: 'So sad to hear the news about someone from the mtv family :( rip Shain Gandee #Buckwild my heart goes out to his fam n friends.'
From The Hills
Stephanie Pratt: 'Wow I am so sad to hear abt Shain from Buck wild. Sending out love and prayers to his family +friends. Way too tragic.'
Cara: 'This is the emptiest I've ever felt. Please pray for Dale and Loretta.'
Joey: 'Prayers for the Shain's family and friends are needed #buckwild #PrayersfortheGandeeFamily," and "Everyone wear camo in memory of Shain!!! #BuckWild ##RIPSHAIN #PrayersfortheGandeeFamily #GandeeCandy.'
Tyler: 'God is with us always. Even though our buddy passed, he's in a better place. God is taking care of Shain now. #PrayForGandeeFamily ... thank you all for the support. means a lot to all of us.'
Katie: 'Everything doesn't happen for a reason I don't know why people say that.'
Ashley: 'Rip Shain Gandee. You are an angel, I know you will watch over me.'
Bluefoot: 'My hearts in a million god damn pieces you son of a b******* wanna make smart ass remarks. I love you Shain idk what I'm gonna do w.o. ya bro. Rest high on that mountain Shain I love you brother and miss you terribly already all I can think about is growin up thaxton holler together.'
From Jersey Shore
JWoww: 'That's awful that shain passed... He was just a baby. Rip. #Buckwild.'
Pauly D: 'Damn RIP Shain From @MTV Buckwild ,, Too Young To Die !!! He Was A Funny Dude.'
Vinny: 'Wow.RIP Shain Gandee from @mtv Buckwild. All my prayers and condolences.'
Deena: 'So sad to hear the news about someone from the mtv family :( rip Shain Gandee #Buckwild my heart goes out to his fam n friends.'
From The Hills
Stephanie Pratt: 'Wow I am so sad to hear abt Shain from Buck wild. Sending out love and prayers to his family +friends. Way too tragic.'
Rural life: Buckwild follows Shain and eight other young adults in Virginia who love small-town American life
MTV said the half-hour series in the old Jersey Shore time slot was pulling in about 3 million viewers per episode since its premiere and was the No. 1 original cable series on Thursday nights among 12- to 34-year-olds.
Recently, two of Gandee's classmates have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Last week, 24-year-old Salwa Amin was sent back to jail for violating the terms of her bond following a February arrest.
She was charged with two counts of drug possession with intent to deliver and initially jailed on $200,000 bond.
That was later reduced to $100,000, but Amin remained behind bars without bond Monday.
State Police said a multi-agency task force arrested Amin and two other people at a Summersville residence after getting a tip from an informant.
A search found oxycodone pills, heroin and $3,000 in cash.
Another cast mate, Michael Douglas Burford, was charged in February with driving under the influence.
Co-stars: The show, dubbed the Redneck Jersey Shore, debuted on January 3 and had been renewed for a second season