Reality TV star Mauricio Umansky has made an emotional exit from Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test after suffering a painful injury that left him struggling to breathe and fearing he could seriously hurt himself if he continued.
The 56-year-old real estate mogul, best known for his appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside estranged wife Kyle Richards, became the fifth celebrity to leave the grueling FOX competition during its fifth season.
His departure came during the October 15 episode, as contestants prepared to enter a simulated chemical warfare environment in the jungles of Malaysia.
Umansky had already been battling severe rib pain after an earlier boxing challenge against former NBA player Matt Barnes.
He initially attempted to push through the discomfort, completing two additional challenges despite the injury.
But when instructors announced that the next exercise would involve exposure to tear gas, Umansky realized continuing could make his condition significantly worse.
“My rib is just hurting and if I’m going to be coughing and not able to breathe, I feel like it’s gonna break further,” he explained during the episode.
Rather than risk further injury, Umansky made the difficult decision to voluntarily withdraw.
He later told PEOPLE that he wanted to leave on his own terms rather than wait for medical staff to remove him from the competition.
The decision was especially heartbreaking because he had joined the show alongside his daughter, Alexia Umansky, 30.
The father-daughter duo previously appeared together on Netflix’s Buying Beverly Hills, which followed the family’s luxury real estate company, The Agency.
But their latest television adventure was far different from selling multimillion-dollar homes.
The FOX series places celebrities in an intense military-style training program designed to test their physical endurance, mental strength and ability to handle extreme pressure.
Contestants face exhausting exercises, harsh outdoor conditions and demanding challenges modeled after special forces selection training.
For Mauricio, however, the most difficult part wasn’t the physical punishment. It was knowing he would have to leave his daughter behind.
“I wish I would’ve still been there with my daughter,” he told PEOPLE.
He explained that watching Alexia challenge herself and grow more confident had become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Although disappointed that he couldn’t remain longer, Umansky said their four days together were priceless.
Alexia was visibly upset by her father’s departure but remained determined to continue competing.
She explained that participating in the show was an opportunity to discover just how strong she could be, both physically and emotionally.
The experience also brought the family closer in unexpected ways.
During an earlier episode, Alexia publicly discussed a painful experience from her past that she had never previously shared with her parents.
Mauricio later said he was proud of his daughter’s courage and determination, describing their time together as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship.
As for his injury, Umansky revealed that the damage was more serious than he initially realized.
He suffered a cracked rib, which made breathing, coughing and even traveling home extremely uncomfortable.
The reality star said the injury took approximately 10 weeks to heal completely, although he has since recovered and returned to his normal fitness routine.
Despite the painful experience, he insists he has no regrets about participating.
And he certainly isn’t the only celebrity whose time on the show ended unexpectedly.
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville was the first contestant to leave after suffering injuries during a helicopter challenge.
The 53-year-old reportedly sustained a cracked rib, bruising and a concussion after hitting the water during the demanding exercise.
Actress Ruby Rose also withdrew after struggling with injuries, while former New York Congressman George Santos left because of severe back and sciatic nerve pain.
Former NFL running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy also walked away from the competition, citing difficulties with the harsh living conditions, including the bathroom facilities.
Those departures have made the season particularly unpredictable, with five celebrities leaving within the first four episodes.
For Umansky, the experience may have ended earlier than he hoped, but it gave him something he considers more valuable than finishing the competition.
He got to spend several unforgettable days alongside his daughter while watching her prove to herself just how much she could accomplish.
And although he couldn’t complete the challenge, he said he was proud to have pushed himself beyond his comfort zone and grateful for the experience.
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