The Amazing Race executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri have issued a statement on former Racer Jim Raman's death.

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The show's executive producers said in a Friday statement they are "deeply saddened" by Raman's sudden and unexpected death.

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"We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful and very kind person," The Amazing Race posted on its Twitter page.

"The Amazing Race family has suffered a huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Misti, and his entire family."

Jim, who competed on Season 25 of The Amazing Race, died at age 42 on Monday, March 11.

The orthodontist's body was discovered in his home in South Carolina after authorities were called to the scene on Tuesday, March 12, according to Us Weekly, and Jim was pronounced dead at around 4:30AM.

The cause of Jim's death has not been publicly announced, but foul play is not suspected, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.

"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," Margaret told WIS-TV, a local NBC affiliate in Lexington County, SC.

A funeral service for Jim, formally known as James Wesley Raman, was held at 12PM on Saturday, March 16 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, followed by the burial at Woodridge Memorial Park.

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Memorials can be made to the Autism Academy of South Carolina, for which he had served as a board member. Jim's obituary says he was passionate about bringing community and state awareness to the issues surrounding autism. 

Jim raced around the world on The Amazing Race in 2014 alongside his wife and teammate, Misti Raman.

The pair were dubbed "Married Dentists" by the CBS reality series and won five of the season's legs.

Jim and Misti, who share children Lexi and Jimmy, finished Season 25 in second place behind "Food Scientists" Amy DeJong and Maya Warren.

After their stint on The Amazing Race, Jim and Misti worked together at Irmo Smiles, their dental practice in South Carolina.

"Irmo Smiles has suffered a tragic loss this week. It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Jim Raman," the company said in a statement last week.

"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... Your patience is greatly appreciated as we give Dr. Misti Raman time to grieve the loss of her loving husband."

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Jim graduated from the University of South Carolina, where he met Misti. He later received his doctorate in dental medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina's School of Dental Medicine.

In December 2014, Jim and Misti spoke to Reality TV World about their teamwork and time on The Amazing Race.

"The reason I felt that Misti and I were such a strong team was because we are well-rounded, because we're not the most athletic people but we're athletic enough, and we're not the most intelligent people but we're intelligent enough," Jim told Reality TV World.

"We just kind of have a broad range of skill sets... Additionally, we've been together for 16 years, so the communication is there and we can finish each other's sentences. We think alike... [We also have] the ability to stay calm under pressure."

One week after the couple returned home from the Race, Jim admitted they were "eager to go back" and hopefully compete in an All-Stars edition one day.

"It was the greatest experience of our lives," Jim noted.

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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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