Actor and MTV Host Sam Sarpong Dead After Jumping From Bridge

MTV host and actor Sam Sarpong is dead at the age of 40 after jumping from a bridge in Pasadena, Calif. According to The Independent, police spent several hours trying to talk Sarpong off the bridge.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office released a statement saying that Sarpong’s death is being investigated as a suicide, and it is awaiting results from a toxicology report.

Sarpong's representative released a statement asking for the actor's privacy to be respected.

"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," the representative stated. 

Sarpong was born in London and moved to Los Angeles with his father (a native of Ghana) when he was 11 years old. Sarpong rose to fame as one of the first black models for Tommy Hilfiger and also worked the runway for Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Donna Karan. 

In 2006 Sarpong co-hosted, alongside Wilmer Valderrama, MTV's Yo Momma, which was canceled in 2007. The British actor leaves behind his father, Samuel Sarpong Sr., and his sister, June.