‘Project Runway’ Season 1 Contestant Wendy Pepper Dies At 53

“Project Runway” Season 1 star Wendy Pepper recently passed away. He was 53.

According to the Washington Post, Pepper, whose real name is Anne Eustis Pepper Stewart, died on Nov. 12. Pepper’s cause of death was not revealed, but the publication noted that she passed on peacefully while surrounded by her family.

News about Pepper’s death only made headlines on Friday since her family has kept mum about their loss. The fashion designer competed on “Project Runway” in 2004, and she bowed out from the competition in third place. She also made it to the finals at Fashion Week, according to People.

During her stint in “Project Runway,” Pepper went on to win a handful of challenges including one where her collection was sold at Banana Republic. She also had the opportunity to design Nancy O’Dell’s dress at the Grammys. Pepper return to the franchise in 2012 and 2013 when she starred in “Project Runway All Stars.” She also starred in “Celebrity Poker Showdown” and “Battle of the Network Reality Stars.”

Meanwhile, Pepper is the second “Project Runway” alum to die less than a month from each other. In October, Season 3 fan favorite Mychael Knight died at the age of 39. According to Obvious magazine, Knight was also surrounded by his family at the time of his death. The cause of his demise has not been disclosed.

Following his death, Knight’s family released a statement to the publication. “We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend and uncle. Mychael meant everything to us and we loved him dearly. He was generous and so full of life. This is how we choose to remember his legacy.

After Knight’s stint in “Project Runway,” he went on to launch his own clothing line. He also designed for Starbucks. In 2008, he released his lingerie label, Kitty & Dick, for both men and women. In the same year, he also introduced his unisex perfume, MajK.