Big brother Contestant Mickey Lee died Thursday, December 25 after being hospitalized earlier in the week following a “series of cardiac arrests.” She was 35 years old.
Lee’s family announced his death in an Instagram post shared on Friday, December 26.
“It is with deep sadness that the family of Mickey Lee announces his transition this Christmas early this evening,” the statement read. “Mickey captured the hearts of audiences across the country with his appearance in Big brotherwhere his authenticity, strength and wit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members. She will be remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of so many and for the authentic connections she made both on and off screen.
Lee was in intensive care earlier in the week after a number of cardiac arrests, according to a GoFundMe asking for money for his medical expenses. The fundraiser had raised nearly $33,000 of its $40,000 total as of Friday.
On GoFundMe, Lee’s hospitalization was described as a “sudden health crisis” that “left Mickey and his family facing enormous emotional and financial strain, from increasing hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but based in Atlanta, Lee competed in the most recent 27th season of Big brotheraired this summer. During her time on the reality show, she was portrayed as an event commissioner. She was evicted in week eight, finishing in 10th place.
A number of Big brother alumni have paid tribute to Lee on social media since news of his death broke.
In the Instagram post announcing Lee’s death, his family wrote that arrangements for the memorial service would be shared at a later date.
More to come.
