Vanderpump Rules stars hit with tragic death amid life-changing show scandal
Vanderpump Rules was the talk of 2023 and not because season 10 was something to rave about – until the reunion, that is. Tom Sandoval‘s cheating scandal involving Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss put the Bravo show on the map as even mainstream media followed the infidelity fiasco. But the highly-publicized breakup became even worse […]
- Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s cheating scandal dominated the TV world in the first half of 2023
- Amid the negative publicity, the Vanderpump Rules pair endured a tragic death
- Ali Rafiq’s sister confirmed the cause of death
Vanderpump Rules was the talk of 2023 and not because season 10 was something to rave about – until the reunion, that is. Tom Sandoval‘s cheating scandal involving Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss put the Bravo show on the map as even mainstream media followed the infidelity fiasco. But the highly-publicized breakup became even worse when the VPR stars experienced a devastating death.
Vanderpump Rules cast’s close friend Ali Rafiq died
On May 24, TMZ broke the news that Tom and Ariana’s friend Ali had collapsed in his parents’ house on May 19. His mother found him on the floor of their St. Louis, Missouri home after he appeared to have fallen and hit his head on a table.
Rafiq contacted his father just one hour before his estimated death time. His body was buried at Lakewood Park Cemetery, as soon as possible the next day, as per Islam traditions. Madix and Sandoval could not attend the funeral but the latter Facetimed during the ceremony while Ariana sent flowers.
Tom penned a touching tribute to his best friend:
“The love I have for you is way beyond words I will carry u forever in my heart,” he said. “Always cherishing the beautiful memories, uncontrollable laughter, and epic experiences we had together. You were my best friend, my brother. I’ll catch u on the next sunrise…”
Ariana issued her own Instagram Story statement, writing: “I keep wanting to text you. It feels like this can’t even be real. I miss you Ali and while you won’t be seeing this, I’m hoping somehow this makes it to you. I love you always and forever.”
One day before his passing, Ali posted a black-and-white throwback photo of himself with Ariana. “Started from the bottom now we here @arianamadix #pumprules #2014,” read the caption.
Who was Ali Rafiq?
Although Rafiq never appeared on the Bravo show, he remained close friends with Tom as they both hail from St. Louis, Missouri. Ali, 41, was a photographer and cinematographer for Red Bull for over one decade at the time of his death and founded his own company, Rafiq Films.
He often traveled with the VPR crew, including the filming of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. According to his LinkedIn, Rafiq was due to graduate with a degree in cybersecurity from Maryville University of St. Louis in 2025.
Ali Rafiq’s cause of death revealed
His sister Rabia told TMZ that her brother had no known illnesses other than asthma, which was not a serious issue for him. Rafiq’s death certificate lists “organ failure” as the cause of death, but toxicology tests were conducted. Results have not been publicized.