R.I.P.
"Pirate" Contestant Found Dead of Apparent Suicide

Posted Jul 30th 2007 11:19AM by TMZ Staff

Cheryl KosewiczCheryl Kosewicz, from the recently canceled CBS reality show "Pirate Master," was found dead in her home on Friday, KOLO-TV in Reno is reporting. Officials told the station the death is believed to be a suicide, but is still under investigation.

Just two months earlier, Kosewicz's boyfriend also took his own life.

Her death was confirmed by fellow "Pirate Master" contestant Nessa Nemir, who posted on the show's Facebook page, "All of the pirates and Cheryl's friends and family are shocked and devastated. It is a tragic loss that we all feel very deeply."

Another contestant, Joycelyn "Joy" McElveen, wrote on her MySpace page, "I lay in my bed tossing and turning waiting on someone to wake me up from this horrible nightmare. What nightmare you may ask? The nightmare that I thought I would never have to deal with the news that my best friend is dead. I immediately scream out in pain and sorrow."

Kosewicz was the fourth person eliminated (on the show), which was canceled just last week.

UPDATE [2:55PM PT]: A rep for "Pirate Master" tells TMZ: "Everyone at CBS who knew her is shocked and saddened by the news of Cheryl Kosewicz's untimely and unexpected passing. We will remember Cheryl for her extraordinary energy and compassion and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends."

Filed under: TV, R.I.P.


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1. I like turtles.

Posted at 11:51AM on Jul 30th 2007 by Robert

2. Never heard of it.

Posted at 11:51AM on Jul 30th 2007 by Pirate

3. so very sad and tragic
her pain must have been unbearable--too bad she was too depressed to realize that things would get better with time and help from qualified people
so sorry for what the families face over the next few weeks

Posted at 12:03PM on Jul 30th 2007 by sally

4. Only YOU can save Amy Sedaris from certain suicide by taking a meeting with her.

Anyone?

Posted at 12:04PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Ace

5. She appeared to be a bright woman and was cut from the crew because she was a competitor and a threat. I can't believe that the show was canceled. BUMMER.

Posted at 12:17PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Bridget

6. he does look like a pirate...

Posted at 12:26PM on Jul 30th 2007 by tim

7. How sad to be in that much termoil enough to end it all.

Posted at 12:34PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Dawn Day

8. My prayers to her family.

Posted at 12:44PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Victoria

9. That's very sad news, both the suicide and the cancellation of the show. I loved this show :(

I understand why she did it though. My boyfriend died unexpectedly and I was so angry and distraught that I almost did myself in. Luckily I had the support system to get me through it and now my life is back on track although I still miss him dearly. It's too bad nobody had been able to help her :(

Posted at 12:53PM on Jul 30th 2007 by sad

10. Very sad. I just checked her myspace page and she logged in Thursday, July 26th and posted her mood as crushed. Very, very sad.

Posted at 1:05PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Tonya

11. I'm really sad to hear this. From watching her on the show, she seemed like she had a real sadness about her. It's a tragedy she didn't have someone she could go too and talk things over with. RIP Cheryl. Also, shame on CBS for canceling this show, I enjoyed it, I hate when they cancel shows once you've really started watching them.

Posted at 1:19PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Jan

12. When is the world going to realize only losers sign up to be reality show contestants?

Posted at 1:27PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Linda - Hi to PJ in Nashville

13. Her and her boyfriend, what a couple of LOSERS

Posted at 1:28PM on Jul 30th 2007 by bob

14. I hope they make SURE these weren't possible murders. Especially when there are 2 of them so closely related. That is very, very sad. My condolences to Joy and to this woman's family. That has to be one of the hardest thing for survivors to live with. The grief, I wouldn't want to even have to imagine losing a loved one in that manner. They could use alot of people's prayers right now.

Posted at 1:28PM on Jul 30th 2007 by Taz

15. some people are so weak.

Posted at 1:28PM on Jul 30th 2007 by frank russo

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