Drugs possibly linked to death of reality show participant

Alabama — Police in Alabama say drug use may have factored into the death of a woman who appeared on MTV's reality show Catfish.

Hoover Police Lt. Charles McDonald says authorities were called to an apartment early Saturday morning about a woman in medical distress who later died.

The woman was identified as 23-year-old Ashley Sawyer. She was featured on the MTV show about online scams in 2013 and was shown meeting a longtime digital companion, Michael Fortunato, in person. The pair used altered images of themselves after communicating in an online chatroom. Fortunato died of a pulmonary embolism a month after the episode aired.

Watch a clip here:

In a recent follow-up episode, MTV says Sawyer revealed that she had struggled with addiction. McDonald says early indications show Sawyer's death may have been heroin-related.

Catfish hosts Nev Schulman and Max Joseph posted heartfelt messages on social media in tribute to Ashley. 

So devastated to hear of the passing of Ashley Sawyer. I hope her and Mike are together now where nothing can hurt them.

A photo posted by Nev Schulman (@nevschulman) on May 2, 2016 at 8:56pm PDT

Shocked and saddened by the death of our friend Ashley Sawyer who appeared on Catfish. She was so sweet and so kind and had an incredible heart and spirit. It was wonderful catching up with her a year ago pictured here. Hard to believe she's gone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Rest in peace Ashley. ????

A photo posted by Max Joseph (@maxjoseph) on May 2, 2016 at 3:19pm PDT