The former reality star and LGBTQ+ advocate died at 43 on Feb. 17.

*The Real L Word *star Francine Beppu’s cause of death revealed

The former reality star and LGBTQ+ advocate died at 43 on Feb. 17.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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June 17, 2026 1:01 p.m. ET

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Francine Beppu in 2011. Credit:

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

- A cause of death has been revealed for Francine Beppu, who died at 43 on Feb. 17.

- Beppu is known for appearing on Showtime's reality series, *The Real L Word*, where she came out to her mother on camera.

- The former reality star died by suicide, according to a report from the Honolulu Medical Examiner.

A cause of death has been revealed for Francine Beppu, the former reality star and LGBTQ+ advocate who died earlier this year at 43.

Beppu, best known for appearing on Showtime's* The Real L Word*, died by suicide on Feb. 17, according to a Honolulu Medical Examiner report viewed by TMZ. The examiner's office additionally completed a toxicology report, which noted "the presence of amphetamine and alcohol" in Beppu's system when she died.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to **'s request for comment.

Beppu's death was first announced on Feb. 23, in an emotional statement from her family.

Francine Beppu on Jun 11, 2011.

Tibrina Hobson/WireImage

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine 'Naoko' Beppu," began the family statement provided to PEOPLE. "The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her. We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her."

The Beppu family additionally expressed appreciation for "the many gestures of love for Francine" and asked fans to respect their privacy as they "navigate this unimaginable loss and honor her memory."

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Beppu is known for her appearance in the second season of the Showtime reality series, which was a spin-off of the scripted drama,* The L Word*. The reality show followed the everyday lives, romances, and careers of a group of lesbians. The first two seasons were set in Los Angeles, while the third season followed the cast as they relocated to Brooklyn, New York.

During Beppu's single season on the show, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, she came out to her mother on camera. Reflecting on the publicized personal moment in a 2022 interview for *The Hawai’i Herald*, Beppu admitted that it was difficult, even though her mother ultimately took the news well.

Sajdah Golde, Francine Beppu, Romi Klinger, Claire Moseley, Whitney Mixter, Kacy Boccumini, and Cori Boccumini arrive to the premiere of Showtime's "The Real L Word".

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

"There were some tears but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me," she told the outlet. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them."

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She added, "I didn’t realize my coming out story would have such an impact on other people in the way that it did. I think that by having more of these conversations, it really shows a sense of community. We’re all here for each other, we all support each other. At the end of the day you have to live for your own happiness. The people around you, who still love you, will want you to be happy."

The Hawaii native later worked as the VP of integrated marketing at NMG Network, which featured LGBTQ+ programming for travelers. Per Hawaii Business, she also worked for Sony Electronics and Viacom, where she aided the launch of Logo, the first LGBTQ+ cable channel.

*If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at **988lifeline.org** 24/7.*

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