Reality TV Star Dies at 35 After Multiple Cardiac Arrests

Big Brother alum Mickey Lee has died after suffering multiple cardiac arrests, her family confirmed. She passed away Thursday evening, with loved ones announcing the heartbreaking news on Instagram the following day.

“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” the statement read. The post remembered Lee for the impact she made during her time on Big Brother, saying her authenticity, strength, and spirit resonated deeply with fans and fellow houseguests alike.

“She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed on and offscreen,” the family added.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the Big Brother community. Franchise icon Rachel Reilly Villegas shared an emotional reaction, saying she was in shock and heartbroken by the loss.

“Big Brother doesn’t just give you castmates — it gives you family,” Reilly Villegas said. “We walked into the house as strangers and walked out bonded for life. I’ll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Lee’s final public appearance came just weeks before her death, when she attended Orlando’s Over the Edge Celebrity Weekend on December 6. In what would become her last interview, Lee reflected on her time on the show, calling Big Brother a dream come true and saying she was grateful to use her platform to give back. During the event, she helped raise thousands of dollars for the 404 Fund, which supports underprivileged children in Atlanta.

Event organizer Omar Elkalyoubie also paid tribute, describing Lee as a bright presence who immediately connected with fans and fellow reality stars. “She had such a light and personality,” he said. “Just an absolute pleasure of a human being.”

Earlier this week, Lee had been hospitalized following what her family described as a sudden health crisis. A GoFundMe page titled Support Mickey’s Medical Journey revealed she was in critical but stable condition after a series of cardiac arrests, with loved ones facing mounting medical and recovery costs. By Monday, more than $12,000 of the $22,000 goal had been raised.

A Jacksonville native who later lived in Atlanta, Lee was remembered by her family as vibrant, strategic, and unforgettable — qualities that made her a standout during Big Brother’s 27th season. She finished in tenth place after being evicted on September 4.

Fellow Big Brother alums flooded social media with prayers and messages of support following news of her hospitalization, underscoring just how deeply Lee was loved within the reality TV community.