What Happened to Ryan Matthew Dunn?
Ryan Dunn was an American stunt performer, television personality, and actor best known as a star of the MTV reality stunt show Jackass and its film franchise. He tragically died in a fiery car crash in June 2011 at the age of 34, with toxicology reports confirming he was driving under the influence and at excessive speed. His legacy continues to be honored by his friends and former castmates in subsequent Jackass productions.
Quick Answer
Ryan Dunn, a beloved star of MTV's 'Jackass,' died on June 20, 2011, at the age of 34, in a high-speed, alcohol-related car crash in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania. He and his passenger, Zachary Hartwell, succumbed to blunt force and thermal trauma after Dunn's Porsche veered off the road, struck a tree, and burst into flames. Dunn's death deeply impacted his friends and fans, and he has been posthumously honored in several 'Jackass' films, including 'Jackass Forever' (2022) and 'Jackass 4.5' (2022).
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Medina, Ohio
Ryan Matthew Dunn was born in Medina, Ohio, U.S.
Meets Bam Margera
Dunn moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania, and met Bam Margera on his first day of high school, forming a lifelong friendship and collaboration.
CKY Crew Gains Recognition
Dunn became a key member of the CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) crew, releasing stunt videos with Bam Margera that gained underground popularity and served as a template for 'Jackass'.
Jackass Premieres on MTV
Ryan Dunn rose to international fame as one of the stars of the MTV reality stunt show 'Jackass', which premiered in October 2000.
Stars in 'Jackass: The Movie'
Dunn appeared in the first 'Jackass' feature film, where he performed one of his most infamous stunts involving a toy car.
Stars in 'Haggard'
Dunn played the main character in Bam Margera's directorial debut film, 'Haggard', which was based on a failed relationship Dunn experienced.
Appears in 'Jackass Number Two'
Dunn continued his role in the 'Jackass' film franchise with 'Jackass Number Two'.
Features in 'Jackass 3D'
Dunn was a prominent cast member in 'Jackass 3D', the first film in the franchise to be released in 3D.
Co-hosts G4's 'Proving Ground'
Dunn began co-hosting the G4 series 'Proving Ground' with Jessica Chobot, which premiered just six days before his death.
Dies in Car Crash
Ryan Dunn died at 34 years old in a fiery car crash in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, while driving under the influence and at high speed. His passenger, Zachary Hartwell, also died.
MTV Airs Tribute Special
MTV aired an hour-long tribute to Ryan Dunn, featuring details of his life and never-before-seen stunts, with recollections from his family and castmates.
Film 'The Bates Haunting' Released Posthumously
Dunn was working on the film 'Welcome to the Bates Motel' (later renamed 'The Bates Haunting') at the time of his death, which was released in 2013.
Honored in 'Jackass Forever' and 'Jackass 4.5'
The films 'Jackass Forever' and 'Jackass 4.5' were dedicated to Ryan Dunn's memory, with 'Jackass Forever' including an end-credits tribute.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ryan Matthew Dunn was born on June 11, 1977, in Medina, Ohio, and later moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he met his lifelong friend and collaborator, Bam Margera. In the late 1990s, Dunn, Margera, and other friends formed the CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) crew, creating extreme stunt and prank videos that gained underground popularity. These videos eventually caught the attention of Johnny Knoxville, leading to the creation of MTV's 'Jackass' in 2000.
Dunn became a prominent and fearless member of the 'Jackass' cast, known for his willingness to perform outrageous stunts, often described as the 'go-to guy for outrageous stunts that even such stalwarts as Steve-O weren't willing to try.' His notable stunts included diving into a sewage tank and inserting a toy car into his rectum for an X-ray in 'Jackass: The Movie.' Beyond 'Jackass,' Dunn also hosted TV series like 'Homewrecker' and 'Proving Ground,' and appeared in films such as 'Haggard' and 'Minghags,' directed by Bam Margera.
Tragedy struck on June 20, 2011, when Dunn died in a fatal car crash in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania. At approximately 3:30 a.m., Dunn was driving his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 with passenger Zachary Hartwell, a production assistant on 'Jackass Number Two,' when the vehicle veered off Route 322, struck a tree, and burst into flames. Investigations revealed that Dunn was traveling at an estimated speed of 132-140 mph in a 55 mph zone, and his blood-alcohol content (BAC) was 0.196%, more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania. Both Dunn and Hartwell died instantly from blunt force trauma and thermal trauma.
Dunn's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and deeply affected his friends, family, and millions of fans. Tributes poured in from celebrities and his 'Jackass' co-stars, including Johnny Knoxville, who tweeted, 'Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan, I love you buddy.' MTV aired an hour-long tribute to Dunn, revealing previously unknown details of his life and career. His legacy has been honored in subsequent 'Jackass' productions, with 'Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa' (2013), 'Jackass Forever' (2022), and 'Jackass 4.5' (2022) all dedicated to his memory. As of April 15, 2026, Ryan Dunn is remembered as a fearless performer whose humor and daring stunts left an indelible mark on pop culture, and his passing continues to serve as a somber reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ryan Matthew Dunn made different choices?