Below Deck Mediterranean star Mark Howard has died following a possible accident at his family home in Florida.
The reality TV star was discovered dead upstairs by his wife, Susan, last week – and was aged just 65-years-old at the time of his death.
Mark's death has been described as 'sudden and unexpected' – with his wife discovering his body when she returned to their home following a trip away earlier in the week.
Fans and co-stars of the reality star have been shocked and saddened by the sad news of his death – while an exact cause of death is yet to be revealed.
TMZ reported Mark's sad passing on Friday, writing: "According to a police report... Mark's wife, Susan, says she was out of town at a dog show from October 22-27.
"She says when she returned home, she found Mark dead upstairs."
TMZ claims the police report reveals: "Mark was covered in boxes that had apparently fallen, and his body was laying up against a shelf. Cops say there were also blood droplets on the floor and blood on the side of his face – though it was not clear if he had suffered any trauma."
The report goes on to state: "[Mark] died in Florida at some point in the last week, a family friend says his death was sudden and occurred while he was at home."
Mark was a star on season one of Below Deck Mediterranean in 2016 – featuring in 13 episodes of the reality show that follows crew working on a luxury yacht.
Bravo, who created the show, released a statement in the wake of Mark's death.
The network said: "Our thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with the family and friends of the respected Captain Mark Howard.
"As the captain of the first season of Below Deck Med, he will always be remembered for his many contributions and mentorship and will forever remain part of the Bravo family."
Co-stars and fellow Below Deck personalities took to social media to express sadness and share condolences.
Captain Sandy Yawn, who featured on Season two of the show, was among those grieving, and tweeted: "Such sad news. When I met him, I felt such a kindness. GodSpeed Captain Mark."
Season one co-star Tiffany Copeland tweeted: "RIP Captain Mark Howard. You were a joy to be around" – alongside photos of herself with the late captain.
While one of the many fans sharing their sadness online tweeted: "Rest in Peace, Capt. Howard. You were a true gentleman."
Mark had worked as a yacht captain for 30 years before his star turn as the original captain of Below Deck Mediterranean in 2016.
Bravo highlights that he worked as a captain on luxury yachts sailing the South Pacific to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
It is also reported that he had a license to fly a helicopter – which he reportedly enjoyed doing in his spare time.
