The story of Jordan Cashmyer is a profoundly tragic chapter in the history of the MTV reality series 16 and Pregnant. As of the current date, December 12, 2025, her untimely death continues to serve as a stark reminder of the intense struggles with mental health and addiction that often follow reality television fame, especially for young stars. Jordan's life, which played out in the public eye, was marked by instability, homelessness, and a relentless battle with substance abuse that ultimately led to her passing.
Her segment on the show, which aired in 2014, showcased a young woman grappling with the immense pressure of impending motherhood while facing familial rejection and housing insecurity. The years following her appearance were a tumultuous journey that saw her fight for sobriety, experience the loss of a partner, and tragically leave behind two young daughters.
Jordan Cashmyer: Complete Biography and Timeline
Jordan Cashmyer was an alum of the popular MTV docu-series 16 and Pregnant, appearing in Season 5. Her life was characterized by a series of intense personal struggles, which tragically culminated in her death at a young age.
- Full Name: Jordan Cashmyer
- Date of Birth: Unknown (circa 1995)
- Date of Death: January 15, 2022
- Age at Death: 26
- Cause of Death: Fentanyl and cocaine intoxication
- Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
- MTV Appearance: 16 and Pregnant, Season 5 (2014)
- First Child: Genevieve "Evie" Shae Taylor (born March 7, 2014)
- Father of First Child: Derek Taylor (her boyfriend on the show)
- Second Child: Lyla Nalani Schaffer (born early 2021)
- Father of Second Child: Michael Schaffer (her fiancé)
The Troubled Path of a Reality Star: Life on '16 and Pregnant'
Jordan Cashmyer’s episode of 16 and Pregnant, which aired in 2014, immediately stood out for the severity of her circumstances. Her storyline centered on the intense conflict with her family after she became pregnant and refused to end her relationship with the baby’s father, Derek Taylor.
This conflict led to Jordan being kicked out of her home, forcing her and Taylor to struggle with homelessness and financial insecurity throughout her pregnancy. The episode highlighted the raw, desperate reality of teenage pregnancy compounded by a lack of a stable support system. They were seen couch-surfing and attempting to find work while preparing for the birth of their daughter, Genevieve "Evie" Shae Taylor.
The relationship with Derek Taylor did not last long after the show aired. Following their split, Jordan’s struggles intensified, leading to a period where her first daughter, Evie, was placed in the care of Jordan's father and stepmother. This loss of custody was a major turning point that fueled her subsequent battles with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Addiction, Sobriety, and the Unthinkable Double Tragedy
The years following her MTV appearance were marked by a cycle of addiction and attempts at recovery. Jordan's family confirmed that her death was a result of her long-standing addiction struggles. Despite these challenges, there were moments of hope and stability.
In the lead-up to 2021, Jordan achieved a significant milestone, celebrating a year of sobriety. This period of stability coincided with the birth of her second daughter, Lyla Nalani Schaffer, whom she welcomed with her fiancé, Michael Schaffer. Lyla was born in early 2021, marking a new, positive chapter in Jordan’s life.
However, this stability was tragically short-lived. In September 2021, just months after Lyla's birth, Michael Schaffer died from a heroin overdose. This devastating loss was a profound shock to Jordan, who was left to mourn her partner while caring for their infant daughter.
Only four months later, on January 15, 2022, Jordan Cashmyer herself passed away. The official cause of death was later confirmed by the Maryland Department of Health as fentanyl and cocaine intoxication. This heartbreaking sequence of events—losing her fiancé to an overdose and then succumbing to addiction herself—highlighted the devastating grip of the opioid crisis that plagued her life.
The Fate of Genevieve "Evie" and Lyla After Jordan's Death
The most enduring and heartbreaking consequence of Jordan Cashmyer’s tragic life is the fate of her two young daughters. The children were left without a mother and, in Lyla’s case, without a father, within a span of just four months.
Genevieve "Evie" Shae Taylor
Her eldest daughter, Evie, was already in the care of Jordan’s father and stepmother at the time of Jordan’s death. This arrangement had been in place for several years due to Jordan's struggles. Evie continues to be raised by her paternal grandparents, providing her with a stable environment away from the instability Jordan faced.
Lyla Nalani Schaffer
Lyla, who was only six months old when her mother died, was the focus of an immediate GoFundMe campaign set up by Jordan's family to provide for her future. Following the deaths of both her parents, Michael Schaffer and Jordan Cashmyer, Lyla was placed in the care of relatives. The family’s swift action ensured that both of Jordan’s children were quickly placed into the custody of loving family members, a small comfort in a story filled with tragedy.
Jordan Cashmyer's life and death serve as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by young individuals struggling with addiction and the long-term impact of early fame. Her story continues to resonate with fans of the *16 and Pregnant* series, prompting discussions about mental health, substance abuse, and the need for better support systems for those battling these demons.
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