NEWSMTV Real World Star Joey Kovar Dead At 29
Aug. 17 2012, Published 9:13 a.m. ET
MTV reality star Joey Kovar has passed away at the age of 29.
He appeared on Real World: Hollywood four years ago and was open about his battle with cocaine and alcohol and went into rehab while filming the show.
Joey was also seen on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew where he once again tried to beat his substance abuse issues.
A friend found Joey unresponsive inside a Chicago residence this morning and called emergency services.
RadarOnline reports that Joey's tragic death, although came at a young age, was not a surprise to some of his loved ones who were concerned when they received alarming messages from him of late.
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"Joey sent me some very suicidal text messages recently," his pal Jared Degado said and added that he was getting ready to film a reality show with Joey before he passed.
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"I've been really worried that it was going to get the best of him and I had a feeling he was either going to commit suicide or that all the prescription medications he was on were going to make his body give out.
"When I just heard about Joey's death I was shocked but not surprised. His life was at a low point.
"Joey was sober for some time, but he suffered from major anxiety issues so he took medicine for that. He also took Adderall.
"We would be in meetings and I would see him have an anxiety attack and he would take his meds for that and then he would start to get really lethargic. Then he would take the Adderall to perk up. When you mix Adderall and other prescriptions it is really hard on your heart."
Jared added that Joey "wasn't doing any illegal drugs lately" and "didn't have the money to do cocaine anymore."
He also revealed that Joey was trying to get his life together for the sake of his two-year-old daughter and said he was an "amazing father."
