MTVMTV is still mourning the loss of two of its stars.
The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II, the franchise's 26th season, will be dedicated to veterans Diem Brown and Ryan Knight, who both passed away in November, E! News has confirmed.
Returning on Jan. 6, 2015, both Brown and Knight competed in the series; Brown participated with Chris "CT" Tamburello, and Knight with his ex, Jemmye Carroll.
MTV will also honor Brown with a special on Tuesday, Dec. 9, called We <3 Diem. "Diem Brown became a role model for her courage and positivity to thousands of fans. We've followed her through her unwavering attempts to win a Challenge and her infamous on/off relationship with fellow cast mate and longtime love CT, while simultaneously combating her disease off-camera," MTV said of the special. "In We <3 Diem, we look back at Diem's powerful journey, giving tribute to her perseverance and strength through it all."
EW.com first reported the news.
"MTV is tremendously sad to hear the news that Diem Brown has lost her long battle with cancer. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends," the network said in a statement after Brown's death. "Diem was a true fighter and brought passion to everything she touched. We will miss her."
Brown died at age 34 on Nov. 14 after battling cancer for the third time, and had competed on several seasons of The Challenge after making her debut on the 12th season in 2006.
After her death, Tamburello, who dated Brown on-and-off since 2007, posted a touching tribute to his late girlfriend on his Instagram page. "Thru the ups and downs we somehow managed to keep our promise. We never gave up on each other," he wrote. "Our plan to be together forever hasn't changed... it's just going to take a little longer now. And I'm going to hold onto this ring for you till we are together again.
Less than two weeks after Brown's passing, Knight, 28, was found dead at a Wisconsin residence on Thanksgiving Day. "We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ryan Knight," MTV said in a statement. "Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
After meeting during their season of The Real World: New Orleans, Knight and Carroll dated on-and-off.
"Words will never be enough to justify the connection we shared and the pain I will forever feel. RIP @Knight_MTV," she tweeted after his death, also posting several photos.
Check out more information about Diem Brown's foundation MedGift.com and find out how you can help.
The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II premieres Tuesday, Jan. 6, on MTV.