Mackayla Paige "Kash" (1997-2026) Reality TV Star Dies at 29

Who Was Mackayla Paige "Kash"?

Mackayla Paige, known professionally as "Kash," was an American reality television personality who appeared on several shows on the streaming network Now That's TV. To fans of the genre, she was simply Kash — a charismatic, outgoing presence who dreamed of becoming famous and building a career in entertainment. She was fatally shot in downtown Oakland, California, on October 11, 2026, at the age of 29.

Kash gained a following through her appearances on Now That's TV, a streaming platform featuring reality shows often centered around dramatic confrontations and physical fights. She appeared on shows including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z" (also known as "Roommates"), and "Now That's Riot." She also appeared on "Real West Coast Baddies."

Police, Paige's family, and the streaming network Now That's TV confirmed her identity. The network paid tribute to Paige on Instagram Sunday, remembering her appearances on shows including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z" and "Now That's Riot." "Though her time with us was far too short, her memory will live on," the network wrote.

Kash Cause of Death

Kash's cause of death was a gunshot wound. She was fatally shot in downtown Oakland, California, early Sunday morning, October 11, 2026. Oakland police said officers responded to the 200 block of 14th Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. following reports of a shooting.

Officers found a 29-year-old woman suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers attempted lifesaving measures before she was taken to a hospital, where she died. Video posted to TikTok showed a large police presence outside Cave Lounge near 14th and Harrison streets.

Police confirmed that an adult woman from Richmond was arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not released the woman's identity, announced charges, or disclosed what led to the shooting. The Oakland Police Department's Homicide Section is investigating.

Loved ones began setting up a makeshift memorial near the shooting scene Sunday, remembering Kash for her outgoing personality, love of the spotlight, and dreams of becoming famous. Kash had posted videos to her Instagram Stories showing herself enjoying a night out Saturday, just hours before her death.

Early Life and Career

Mackayla Paige was a 29-year-old resident of Richmond, California. She gained a following through her appearances on Now That's TV, a streaming platform featuring reality shows often centered around dramatic confrontations and physical fights.

Kash appeared on several shows for the network, including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z" (sometimes called "Roommates"), and "Now That's Riot." She also appeared on "Real West Coast Baddies." Her larger-than-life personality and love of the spotlight made her a memorable presence on screen.

Her cousin, Nicky Clayton, told KTVU: "She wanted to be famous so bad. She still had morals, don't get me wrong. She wanted to be a reality star. She [wanted] to start her own business. She was modeling for a lot of companies, and she really wanted to do makeup."

Another cousin, Azima King, told ABC7 Eyewitness News: "She just wanted better for her life. And she wanted to be better. And she wanted to change."

Tributes and Reactions

Following Kash's death, tributes poured in from family, friends, and the reality television community. Her loved ones gathered near the shooting scene in downtown Oakland to set up a makeshift memorial in her honor.

Poodahh, who described herself as one of Kash's girlfriends and has the words "Spoil Me With Kash" tattooed on her hand, remembered someone who constantly encouraged her to reach her potential. "She pushes me to be better every day. She sees when I'm not giving it my all, and she pushes me to be what she knows I could be," Poodahh said. "She's not gone. I can't speak to her in the past tense."

Poodahh also remembered Kash's fun-loving spirit: "Oh my God, she was so fun. Was she not hella fun? Oh my God, this girl was so fun. She had us everywhere."

Kash's cousin, Nicky Clayton, struggled to process the loss as she helped create a memorial. "I'm in disbelief," Clayton said, becoming emotional. "She was chilling. She was with family. So she supposed to be good. I don't know what transpired, but I know she's supposed to be here."

The network Now That's TV paid tribute to Paige on Instagram Sunday, remembering her appearances on her shows. "Though her time with us was far too short, her memory will live on," the network wrote.

Investigation

Oakland police have not detailed the circumstances that led up to the shooting, nor have they publicly identified the suspect. Police have not said whether Paige and the woman arrested knew each other or what may have led to the shooting.

Video circulating on social media purports to show an altercation involving Paige before her death. Police have not confirmed the circumstances depicted in the footage, and ABC7 Eyewitness News has not independently verified that it shows the fatal encounter.

Those with information, photos, or video related to the shooting are asked to contact the Oakland Police Department at (510) 238-3821, via the tip line at (510) 238-7950, or by email at cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.

Connection to Warfield Theatre Shooting

Paige's death came just over a week after another fatal shooting involving the broader reality television entertainment scene in the Bay Area. On October 3, 47-year-old security guard Ulysses Tykee Davis, a father of six, was shot and killed outside San Francisco's Warfield Theatre following an event associated with "Baddies USA," a reality series on the separate Zeus Network.

Prosecutors have charged 32-year-old Shakia Vanderbilt with murder in connection with Davis' death.

The two shootings have renewed questions about reality television programs that feature physical confrontations, with some social media users calling for the shows to be canceled. There is no evidence the two Bay Area shootings are connected or that either was caused by reality television programming.

Reality TV Violence Debate

Dr. Donnetrice Allison, chair of the Africana Studies Department at Stockton University in New Jersey, has spent years researching how Black women are portrayed on reality television. Allison said she worries about the influence of shows that turn physical fighting into entertainment, particularly as people seek attention and popularity on social media.

"People say 'It's harmless entertainment.' I really don't think it's that," Allison said, describing and challenging how some viewers dismiss the programming. She said the pressure to attract attention online can encourage increasingly extreme behavior.

"Nowadays, the way to get popular fast is for something over the top, and then you get a bunch of views, and then that's how you become known," Allison said.

Allison also raised concerns about the role producers play in encouraging confrontations and the potential for behavior portrayed on television to influence viewers beyond the screen.

Net Worth

There is no reliable, publicly verified estimate of Kash's net worth. She was a reality television personality who appeared on several streaming shows. Her finances were never publicly disclosed. Like many reality TV contestants, her primary income came from her appearances and related promotional work.

Legacy

Kash's legacy is one of ambition and resilience. Her family described her as someone who wanted to be famous, start her own business, and model for companies. Her cousin said she "just wanted better for her life." While Kash dreamed of becoming a star, her loved ones say she had already made an unforgettable impression on the people around her.

"I'm sorry for all of our loss, because she's a star," Poodahh said.

For fans who remember Kash from Young & Reckless, Kash from RoomH8z, and Kash from Now That's Riot, she will always be a part of the reality television landscape. Her story — one of dreams, determination, and a life cut tragically short — touched viewers and loved ones alike.

Our thoughts are with Mackayla Paige's family, friends, and all who knew her during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mackayla Paige "Kash"

Who was Mackayla Paige "Kash"?

Mackayla Paige, known professionally as "Kash," was an American reality television personality. She appeared on Now That's TV shows including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z" (also known as "Roommates"), and "Now That's Riot." She was fatally shot in downtown Oakland, California, on October 11, 2026, at the age of 29.

How did Kash die?

Kash died after being shot in downtown Oakland early Sunday morning, October 11, 2026. Oakland police responded to reports of a shooting near 14th and Harrison streets shortly after 1:30 a.m. Officers found a 29-year-old woman suffering from at least one gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.

What was Kash's cause of death?

Kash's cause of death was a gunshot wound. She was fatally shot in downtown Oakland near 14th and Harrison streets shortly after 1:30 a.m. on October 11, 2026. She was taken to a hospital, where she died. Police have arrested a woman from Richmond in connection with the shooting.

When did Kash die?

Kash died on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after being shot in downtown Oakland, California. She was 29 years old.

How old was Kash when she died?

Kash was 29 years old when she died on October 11, 2026. She was born in 1997.

Where was Kash killed?

Kash was killed in downtown Oakland, California, near 14th and Harrison streets, outside the Cave Lounge. Oakland police responded to the 200 block of 14th Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. on October 11, 2026.

What was Kash famous for?

Kash was famous for her appearances on Now That's TV, a streaming platform featuring reality shows often centered around dramatic confrontations. She appeared on shows including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z," and "Now That's Riot." She also appeared on "Real West Coast Baddies."

What reality shows was Kash on?

Kash appeared on several reality shows, including "Young & Reckless," "RoomH8z" (also known as "Roommates"), "Now That's Riot," and "Real West Coast Baddies." Her shows aired on Now That's TV, a streaming network.

Was anyone arrested in Kash's death?

Yes, Oakland police arrested an adult woman from Richmond in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not released the woman's identity, announced charges, or disclosed a possible motive. The Oakland Police Department's Homicide Section is investigating.

Who was Kash's family?

Kash's family members identified her as Mackayla Paige. Her cousin, Azima King, and Nicky Clayton spoke to media about their loss. Friends including Poodahh also paid tribute to her. Family and friends set up a makeshift memorial near the shooting scene in downtown Oakland.

What was Kash's real name?

Kash's real name was Mackayla Paige. She was known professionally as "Kash" on reality television. She was 29 years old and a resident of Richmond, California.

What was Kash's net worth?

There is no reliable, publicly verified estimate of Kash's personal net worth. She was a reality television personality who appeared on several streaming shows. Her finances were never publicly disclosed.

What was Kash's connection to the Warfield Theatre shooting?

Kash's death came just over a week after another fatal shooting involving the broader reality television entertainment scene in the Bay Area. On October 3, 47-year-old security guard Ulysses Tykee Davis was shot and killed outside San Francisco's Warfield Theatre following an event associated with "Baddies USA," a reality series on the Zeus Network. There is no evidence the two shootings are connected.

What was Kash's legacy?

Kash's legacy is one of ambition and resilience. Her family described her as someone who wanted to be famous, start her own business, and model for companies. Her cousin said she "just wanted better for her life." Her death has renewed questions about reality television programs that feature physical confrontations.