The Real World: San Diego's Frankie Abernathy Dies

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 11:18pm

The Real World: San Diego's Frankie Abernathy Dies
TUESDAY JUNE 12, 2007 06:35 PM EDT
By Brian Orloff


Frankie Abernathy, a cast member on The Real World: San Diego, died Saturday at her mother's home in Shorewood, Wis. She was 25.

While no official cause of death has been determined, Abernathy had waged a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease.

Her death "was very sudden," her mother, Abbie Hunter, told MTV News. "It still was kind of a shock, and it just wasn't how we figured things would go. It seems like her little body just gave out."

During her 2004 stint on the MTV reality show, Abernathy struggled with the hereditary disease, which causes mucus buildup in the throat and digestive track.

A free-spirited punk-rock lover, Abernathy once said during her time in the Real World house: "Tomorrow is a privilege, so live today like tomorrow isn't happening."

Abernathy left the house early – she had problems with her roommates and missed her boyfriend. While on the show, she also intentionally cut herself with a kitchen knife. Her mother said her behavior helped raise awareness about cutting.

"I think she touched a lot of people and made an impact on a lot of people's lives," Hunter told MTV. "That's what you want when you have a child – you hope they do that. I wish it had been in a different way, but I am proud of her."


Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20042281,00.html

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 9:10am

I liked her. I'm sorry to hear this - so young!

[blueroses]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 9:22am

I couldn't stand her. But, of course, I'm sorry to hear about this, too.

[xxnewgirlxx]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 10:20am

I couldn't stand her personality on the show, but it's still sad news. My good friend's 17 year old daughter has CF, and is rebelling more than usual..and I understand that the uncertainty of a future has something to do with it.

I give Frankie some slack because of that, but that whole "I'm too punk rock for this" crap was annoying.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 10:21am

I hear you guys, I think I always just had a soft spot for her. I can't imagine what it must have been like to know you had no future.

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 11:55am

I always felt for her on the show to because she just did not fit in. But didn't she smoke? I mean that would be bad if you had CF right?