[Archive 2011-06-21] Jackass star Ryan Dunn dies in car accident aged 34

Historical archive — originally published 2011-06-21. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Ryan Dunn, one of the stars of the TV series Jackass, has died in a car accident aged 34. The accident occurred near West Chester, Pennsylvania early yesterday morning, when the car Dunn was driving left the road and crashed into a tree.

The vehicle burst into flames; Dunn's body was identified by his tattoos. An unidentified passenger also died in the accident. Police suspect speed to have been a factor.

Dunn's death was announced by April Margera, the mother of one of his co-stars, Bam Margera. MTV released a statement saying "We are devastated by the tragic loss of Ryan Dunn — a beloved member of the MTV family for more than a decade."

Jackass started in 2000 after a series of internet clips were released showing Dunn skateboarding and performing stunts along with Margera, Christopher Raab and Brandon DiCamillo. The show was created after Johnny Knoxville contacted the group to ask if he could use their videos on the show.

As well as the TV series and three Jackass movies, Dunn also appeared on Viva La Bam and presented his own shows, Homewrecker and Proving Ground.

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