A former “Amazing Race” contestant passed away at age 42 on March 11 at his home in South Carolina.
Dr. Jim Raman, an orthodontist who competed in season 25 of the show with his wife, Misti Raman, who is also a dentist, was pronounced dead on Tuesday morning.
The couple made it to the final three in the show but finished in second place to food scientists Amy DeJong and Maya Warren.
Raman’s obituary was posted by Dignity Memorial. His funeral was slated for March 16.
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Adam Myrick told USA Today that deputies went to the couple’s house on Tuesday morning.
Raman’s cause of death wasn’t clear but Myrick said Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Adam Myrick “no one has been arrested or detained in connection with this (death) investigation.”
“We aren’t seeking any suspects or persons of interest as our work on the case continues,” he added.
“Nothing suspicious or criminal is involved with the case you are referencing and out of compassion and respect for family my office will not comment on it,” Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said in a statement sent to WIS.
A letter obtained by WLTX sent to patients by the company owned by Raman and his wife, Irmo Smiles, stated: “Irmo Smiles has suffered a tragic loss this week. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing for Dr. Jim Raman. As our staff and the family prepare for Dr. Raman’s celebration of life, please join us in praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
According to the obituary, Raman and his wife met at the University of South Carolina and he “made the courageous decision” to later transfer his credits to a dental school to join her in becoming a dentist. They later started Irmo Smiles, which served the Irmo, Columbia, and Lexington area.
Raman, described as a devout Christian, found the scenes he witnessed while traveling for the “Amazing Race” deeply impacting and took steps because of them, according to the obituary.
#AmazingRace alum Jim Raman was found dead at his South Carolina home. https://t.co/MrNy01kMS8
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) March 14, 2019
Irmo Orthodontist, former ‘Amazing Race’ contestant passes away https://t.co/JId2KvqewR pic.twitter.com/DQr9WX9YTO
— News 19 WLTX (@WLTX) March 14, 2019
“He and his wife, Misti, had the pleasure of being chosen for season 25 of CBS’s ‘The Amazing Race.’ It was that life-changing experience, witnessing deprivation and abject poverty in the Philippines, where God called their hearts to return and initiate a free dental clinic to the most impoverished areas in Manila,” it stated.
“Locally, Jim’s desire to give back could be witnessed at Irmo Smiles annual Dentistry From the Heart Day, where doctors, assistants, hygienists, and volunteers from all over the state would join to provide free dental services to the underserved in our area.”
“All who had the pleasure of knowing Jim benefited from the many different substantial contributions he so unselfishly provided. He dreamed bigger and envisioned life on a level that few could comprehend. However, those he shared it with believed in and knew that if Dr. Jim had the desire in his heart, he would take all measures to make it a reality. His goal in all areas of his life was to have maximum impact on the world,” it added.
“His love for dentistry and serving those around him was only surpassed by his love of God and his openly affectionate love and adoration for his daughter, Lexi; son, Jimmy, and loving wife and best friend, Misti.”
