MTV reality star Clay Adler commits suicide at 27

Former MTV reality star Clay Adler is dead at 27 after an apparent suicide.

The "Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County" star shot himself on March 25 during a trip to the desert with friends, law enforcement officials told TMZ.

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The group of friends had driven into the desert to go shooting, where Adler suddenly turned his gun on himself and shot himself in the head. He later died at a hospital. There were no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time, though TMZ reports that he had a history of mental illness.

See photos of Clay Adler throughout his life:

During his two seasons on "Newport Harbor," Adler was known as the big man on campus and a ladies man. After the show, which aired in 2007, Adler made a brief run at a career in Hollywood, appearing in "The Fish Tank" and "Make It or Break It" in 2009.

He also struck up a brief friendship with Jennifer Lawrence during her early days as an actress.

Adler's friends and family paddled out into the water at Newport Beach last weekend to honor his life. See photos of the moment on TMZ.

UPDATE: MTV has since released a short statement in response to Clay Adler's death:

"We are saddened by the news of Clay Adler's passing," the network said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

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