Reality’s Raw Truth: ‘Floribama’ Star Kirk Medas Succumbs to Rare Pancreatic Condition at 33
In a heartbreaking development that has sent ripples through the reality television community, Kirk Medas, the charismatic personality known for his magnetic presence on MTV’s “Floribama Shore,” has passed away at the age of 33. The fashion and entertainment world mourns the loss of this vibrant soul whose authenticity and warmth captivated viewers during his tenure on the popular series.
Sources close to PEOPLE confirm that Medas succumbed to liver failure following a harrowing battle with necrotizing pancreatitis, an aggressive condition characterized by severe inflammation resulting in tissue death. His father shared the devastating news with TMZ, revealing the medical complications that ultimately proved insurmountable despite intensive medical intervention.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kirk Medas, a beloved member of the Floribama Shore family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time,” an MTV spokesperson expressed in a poignant statement released Friday.
The reality star had been hospitalized for two weeks prior to his passing, according to fellow cast member Candace Hall, who had been keeping fans apprised of his condition through social media. In a heart-wrenching Instagram update the day before his passing, Hall revealed that Medas had been sedated and placed on ventilator support following his diagnosis.
Cast mate Nilsa Prowant joined in rallying support for Medas, directing followers to a GoFundMe campaign established by his family. The fundraiser, which has already garnered over $27,000 in contributions, was initially created to cover mounting medical expenses for the uninsured star but has since been renamed “Support Kirk Medas: Funeral Arrangement&Medical” in light of his tragic passing.
In a deeply personal tribute that was later removed from social media, Hall shared an ethereal moment that preceded receiving news of Medas’s passing: “I was at the beach when I felt it. Before the call even came, a dolphin kept coming up to me, as if to say goodbye. Kirk and I shared a love for dolphins and the ocean, and in that moment, I just knew.”
Her tribute continued with a glimpse into their final moments together: “I’ll never forget the moment they placed him on the ventilator, before the coma took hold. I told him I loved him, and tears rolled from his eyes. That memory will stay with me forever.”
Medas appeared in 25 episodes of “Floribama Shore” between 2017 and 2020, where his authentic personality and ability to forge connections made him a standout figure. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew him personally and the many viewers who welcomed him into their homes through their screens.
The Cleveland Clinic defines necrotizing pancreatitis as a condition where “pancreatitis inflammation is so severe that it causes tissue death,” potentially leading to both immediate and long-term health complications. Despite the severity of his condition, Medas’s loved ones maintained hope throughout his hospitalization.
As the entertainment industry processes this premature loss, Medas will be remembered not merely for his television presence but for what Hall described as “the kindest soul, a heart full of love for everyone he met, and a spirit that brought people together.”
