The reality TV personality Ryan De Nino from Lifetime’s “Married at First Sight” has passed away, his sister Melissa De Nino announced on social media. Ryan was 40 years old, and no cause of death has been disclosed. The news became public on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Melissa De Nino first revealed her brother’s passing on Facebook on Tuesday, August 11. Three days later, reports about the death circulated more widely.
In an emotional social media post accompanied by family photographs, Melissa remembered her brother’s unique character. “Ryan was so damn funny and witty. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved,” she wrote, noting his generous nature and large heart.
Jessica Castro Responds With Compassion
Jessica Castro, 42, who was paired with Ryan on the reality show, spoke to Page Six on Friday, August 14. Despite their troubled past, she offered her condolences to his family. Castro explained that they had not been in contact for years and she knew nothing about his recent life, but she expressed sympathy for those mourning him and wished him peace.
Her gracious statement stood in sharp contrast to the bitter conclusion of their relationship nearly a decade earlier.
Remembering a Brother’s Humor and Heart
Melissa’s tribute spoke to the irreplaceable nature of sibling bonds and shared history. She wrote that regardless of what challenges arose over the years, her love for Ryan remained constant, and she acknowledged that her life would be forever changed by his absence.
Those who commented on her Facebook announcement recalled Ryan as someone with tremendous potential and a kind spirit. Many said memories of him continue to bring smiles to their faces.
Reality TV Fame and a Brief Marriage
Ryan gained public recognition through season two of “Married at First Sight,” which was filmed in New York City and debuted in 2015. The Lifetime program matches strangers through expert analysis, and participants marry legally without having met beforehand. Ryan, then 29, was partnered with Jessica Castro.
When “Decision Day” arrived—the episode where couples choose to continue or dissolve their marriages—both decided to stay together. Jessica spoke about coming from a background where marriages lasted and divorce wasn’t part of her worldview.
That commitment crumbled within weeks after production ended. The marriage dissolved amid bitter conflict later that year, with Jessica obtaining a restraining order. She accused Ryan of making threats against her and her relatives, and alleged infidelity during their time together.
The two confronted each other during the 2015 reunion special. The encounter concluded with Jessica throwing a $100 bill at Ryan, telling him he needed it more than she did. He took the money and left the set without responding to her allegations, but made a threatening comment about her that was captured on a live microphone.
Production’s Response to the Fallout
Kinetic Content, the production company behind the series, has stated that all participants complete thorough background screenings and psychological evaluations conducted by outside professionals before entering into marriages on camera. Each couple is documented for six weeks following their weddings.
The company has also recognized the limitations of its process, acknowledging that while experts approach each match with optimism and good faith, they cannot dictate participant behavior or manage their choices after filming concludes. Following the breakdown of Ryan and Jessica’s marriage, producers arranged security protection for Jessica.
Ryan De Nino is survived by his sister, Melissa, whose tribute emphasized the enduring love and memories that defined their relationship, a connection she described as lasting through everything.
