Mickey Lee— who appeared on Big Brother 27 this summer— has died after spending multiple days in the ICU following a series of cardiac arrests.
She was only 35 years old.
Mickey’s family announced the sad news of her death on Instagram on Friday, revealing that Mickey passed away on Christmas night.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” the post read.
“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.”
The news comes just days after Mickey’s family announced that she was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering “a series of cardiac arrests.” The cardiac arrests were the result of complications Mickey had from the flu. On Monday, her family listed her in “critical but stable condition,” and began a fundraiser to help with her medical costs. (As of press time, over $34,000 has been raised from the GoFundMe.)
On Tuesday, the family wrote that Mickey’s condition “remained stable,” but things obviously took a turn by Thursday.
Fans will remember Mickey for being the final houseguest evicted before the ‘Big Brother 27’ jury phase began. She played a tough game and became a fan favorite before being evicted on Day 59.
After the news of Mickey’s death went public on Friday, ‘Big Brother’ host Julie Chen Moonves revealed on Instagram that Mickey had told her a few months before that she had been born with a hole in her heart.
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“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101,” Julie wrote. “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. 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.”
Rachel Reilly— who was evicted one day after Mickey on ‘BB27’— also mourned the loss of her friend.
“We are in shock and so saddened by the news of my big brother cast mate and family member- my heart is broken,” she wrote on Instagram on Friday. “My heart goes out to her family and lifelong friends – ‘Big Brother’ doesn’t just give you castmates, it gives you family. I’m forever grateful I got to share that house and that experience with Mickey. We walked into the ‘Big Brother’ house as strangers and walked out bonded for life. I wish I could still thank her for the memories, the laughter, and the moments only we will ever understand. I’ll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend.”
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Other ‘Big Brother 27’ cast members also expressed their shock at the news of Mickey’s untimely death.
“I had no idea it was this serious, I guess I was naive. A seemingly healthy 35-year-old, life isn’t fair,” Ashley Hollis— the winner of “Big Brother 27”— wrote on X on Friday.
“This is absolutely horrible,” Will Williams wrote on Instagram. “Life is so short. Mickey was an incredible spirit and a joy in the house. Prayers to her family. The ‘Big Brother’ family will miss her dearly.”
Aside from appearing on ‘Big Brother,’ Mickey owned an events curating business in Atlanta.
RELATED STORY: “Big Brother 27” Star Mickey Lee in ICU After Suffering Cardiac Arrests; Fundraiser Launched to Help with Medical Costs
(Photos: CBS; Instagram)
One Response
I am stunned and so saddened for her family, especially since she died on Christmas. Now they will be stuck with that memory every time Christmas rolls around. I lost my dad in September of this year and this Christmas was hard enough to get through without him so I can’t imagine it happening to a family on that day. My heart goes out to her family and they are in my thoughts.