'Yo Momma' Co-Host Sam Sarpong Dead at 40

Sam Sarpong, an actor and model who shot to fame as co-host of MTV's “Yo Momma” has died. He was 40 years old, although some reports list his age as 35.

According to E! News, Sarpong jumped off a bridge in Pasadena, California. The L.A. County Coroner has ruled the death a suicide.

His publicist told Variety in a statement, “It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation and no additional details are known at this time. Information about final arrangements will be forthcoming. The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”

His rep, J.D. Sobol, added, “[Sarpong] had a pure heart and always went out of his way to help others. We will all miss him dearly.”

Sarpong was an international runway model and the face of Tommy Hilfiger for six years. He went on to land a role on “My So-Called Life” in 1994, before co-hosting “Yo Momma” with Wilmer Valderrama in 2006.