Michael Paredes Dead: ‘Wipeout’ Contestant ID’d By LA County Officials

Facebook Michael Paredes died after completing the obstacle course for TBS' 'Wipeout' reboot on November 19, 2020.

Los Angeles County officials have identified Michael Paredes as the contestant who after finishing the obstacle course on the popular reality competition series, Wipeout, as first reported by TMZ. Paredes was 38.

While production previously told TMZ that “a male contestant needed medical attention” on November 18, 2020 after completing the course, and was treated by on-set emergency medics before being transported to a local hospital — The L.A. County Department medical examiner and coroner’s office records show Paredes died on November 19, as reported by Variety.

Paredes, who was based in Oxnard, California, studied at the ITT Technical Institute before he started working as a marketing director at Ultimate Weight Loss Solutions in 2011, as stated on his Facebook page. He was in a long-term relationship with girlfriend Roseanne DeRosa, who also worked at Ultimate Weight Loss Solutions.

FacebookMichael Paredes with his girlfriend Roseanne DeRosa.

TMZ was told by law enforcement that they received a call regarding a person experiencing cardiac arrest just before noon on Wednesday. Before being brought to the hospital, the man was treated with a defibrillator, as he “was experiencing chest pains after completing the course.”

Wipeout, which was created by Matt Kunitz and Scott Larsen, originally ran for seven seasons on ABC between 2008 and 2014. The series was filmed at Sable Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. Spinoff versions of the show were also big hits in the U.K. and Germany.

Endemol Shine North America, who produces the show with Sharon Levy DJ Nurre, Shyam Balsé and Keith Geller told TMZ following the contestant’s death, “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them at this time.”

TBS Revived ‘Wipeout’ in 2020 With Hosts John Cena & Nicole Byer

GettyJohn Cena stops by the newest Tapout Fitness location in Herald Square to talk fitness and share his favorite looks from the Tapout fitness apparel collection available at JCPenney.

Hired to help bring back the epically physically demanding competition program, TBS hired The Suicide Squad star John Cena and Nailed It! comedian Nicole Byer, as reported by Deadline.

“I couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store for this radically absurd show that has its own fair share of legendary faceplants.” said Cena. “The power of Wipeout is its ability to gather people of all backgrounds for fast paced, physical FUN! I look forward to seeing fan responses both new and existing. This’ll be a hosting experience unlike anything I’ve ever done! I can’t wait to get started in rooting for our contestants!”

GettyNicole Byer attends the Netflix FYSEE Food Day at Raleigh Studios on May 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Byer added, “Now more than ever we need a ton of fun and laughs and there’s nothing funnier than people falling over giant red balls. Wipeout is truly insane, and I’m tickled to be a part of this beloved show’s comeback.”

While the show’s big red balls returned, the revamped series was also returning with some new twists. Designed to further exhaust the contestants, the obstacle course would consist of multiple strategic stops and decision points.

Corie Henson, EVP, Head of Unscripted for TNT, TBS, and truTV said:

Wipeout has always delivered a great deal of light and laughter in dark times – whether that was in 2008 when it first premiered in the midst of a massive recession or now again, in 2020. This is one show that brings people together – regardless of age, race or politics. With megastar John Cena and hilarious Emmy nominee Nicole Byer, and with the help of rising star, Camille Kostek, as our host in the field, Wipeout is going to be bigger, badder and ballsier than ever before

‘Wipeout’ Conducted Virtual Auditions To Cast the Show Amid Coronavirus

In July, Wipeout announced that they were moving forward with production amid the coronavirus pandemic and holding virtual auditions, as reported by ABC 7.

“We are looking for all walks of life, 18 and over and people who live in Southern California is a definite must,” casting director Katy Wallin said. “We’re looking for teams of two, teams of three, fierce, fun, charismatic, all walks of life, all shapes and sizes.”

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