Tyler Duckworth’s mom is fondly remembering her son.

After Joni Duckworth announced The Challenge star’s death at the age of 44, she reflected on his personal and professional evolution.

“My Ty-Guy would skip to school when he was little,” she told People Aug. 14. “Tyler found his passion in teaching and he was good at it. I understand his students loved him. He taught world history. He loved history and geography and as he had traveled the world over I am sure he brought many insights to his students.”

Now, as she put it, “He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer.”

Joni revealed Aug. 13 that Tyler had died “earlier this week,” though she noted his cause of death had yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, North Dakota’s Grand Forks Police Department told E! News that Tyler was found in his apartment bathroom where there were no signs of foul play, nor did the death appear to be suspicious. Police are now waiting for toxicology results.