Project Runway fans have mourned the deaths of some of the franchise’s memorable stars over the years.
The competition show, which has aired on Bravo and Lifetime, follows aspiring fashion designers competing in various challenges for a chance to break into the industry. Winners have gone on to appear on Project Runway spinoffs and worked at various high-end fashion brands.
Season 1 contestant Wendy Pepper became a fan favorite and after placing third in the competition. She later appeared on the second season of Project Runway: All Stars before her death in 2017 at age 53.
Bravo executive Andy Cohen reacted to the news of Pepper’s passing, writing via X, “#RIP one of the first of many great characters to appear on #ProjectRunway. She was a big reason for the first season’s success.”
Years later, season 18 alum ShaVi Lewis, died at age 38 in February 2025. A cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Keep scrolling for the most heartbreaking Project Runway tragedies over the years: