MTV Presenter, Model Sam Sarpong Dies After Jumping From Pasadena Bridge

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — British model and MTV presenter Sam Sarpong has died after jumping from a bridge in Pasadena, according to news reports.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel 'Sam' Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away," Sarpong's publicist said Wednesday in a statement released to MTV. "The family appreciates the thoughts, prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time."

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Police on Monday reportedly spent seven hours trying to talk the 40-year-old off the bridge on Monday, according to MTV.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation, Sarpong's publicist said in the statement.

Sarpong was the older brother of June Sarpong, a presenter on British TV channel T4, and co-hosted the MTV show "Yo Momma" with creator Wilmer Valderrama.

Valderrama reacted to news of Sarpong's death on Instagram, saying he was "so sad & so confused," and urged people to reach out to people if they find themselves "in a dark place."