Mickey Lee of 'Big Brother' fame dead at 35 after flu complications, family says
Mickey Lee of 'Big Brother' fame dead at 35 after flu complications, family says

Mickey Lee, a contestant on the most recent season of Big Brother, has died, her family announced on Friday. She was 35.

In an Instagram post, Lee’s family said, “With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening. Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike. She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen.”

Many took to the comments section to express their condolences, including a fellow Big Brother contestant, Rachel Reilly, who wrote, “Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed — love to all of you.”

Julie Chen Moonves, the host of Big Brother, also posted a message on Instagram Friday, in which she shared a photo of herself with Lee. "Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101. That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive," she began her post. "Last night God brought her home. Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity. I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen."

The reality star, who appeared on Season 27 of the CBS series and was eliminated in the eighth week, was hospitalized earlier this week after suffering from “a series of cardiac arrests following complications from the flu,” according to a GoFundMe set up by her family. The Jacksonville, Fla., native, who lived in Atlanta at the time, was in “critical but stable condition” in the ICU on Dec. 22, per the GoFundMe, which was shared on Lee’s Instagram.

The “sudden health crisis has left Mickey and her family facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs,” the GoFundMe said at the time.

On Dec. 24, Lee’s family shared an update to Instagram, writing, “Our hearts are heavy as we walk through a critical moment regarding Mickey.”

“We feel the love surrounding us and we are incredibly thankful. Right now, our family needs quiet, space, and uninterrupted time to focus on her care and on one another. We respectfully ask that calls, texts, and messages pause for now,” they wrote. “Your prayers mean more than words, and we will share updates when we are able. Thank you for honoring our need for privacy during this very difficult time. Have a Merry Christmas.”

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