Mickey Lee, ‘Big Brother’ star, dies after a series of cardiac arrests
Mickey Lee, best known for her stint on the reality competition series “Big Brother,” has died following a recent hospitalization.
Television personality Mickey Lee, best known for her stint on the reality competition series “Big Brother,” has died following a recent hospitalization. She was 35.
Lee, who was hospitalized earlier this week for a series of cardiac arrests, died on Christmas Day, Lee’s family revealed in a post on her official Instagram page on Friday, Dec. 26.
“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,” Lee’s family wrote.
“She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed on and off screen. … Mickey’s light, legacy and impact will never be forgotten.”
Details on Lee’s memorial services will be shared at a later date, her family added.
On Monday, a message posted to Lee’s Instagram page revealed she had experienced cardiac arrests stemming from flu-related complications and that she was in critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit. The statement added that Lee was “surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones.”
The post also included a link to a GoFundMe page for Lee’s medical expenses. The online fundraiser has raised more than $32,000 as of Friday.
Lee competed on “Big Brother” earlier this year, where she placed 10th and was evicted in Week 8 of the competition.
The event curator had one head-of-household reign in Week 4, when she used an interrogation power to dethrone Rylie Jeffries from the post. She was also part of several influential alliances but was ultimately targeted for eviction by other houseguests for what they saw as her domineering leadership style.
‘Big Brother’ stars react to Mickey Lee’s ‘devastating’ death
Following news of her death, several of Lee’s friends and peers from the reality-TV world took to social media to mourn the “Big Brother” star.
“Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family,” Rachel Reilly, who won “Big Brother” Season 13 and costarred with Lee on Season 27, wrote. “RIP Mickey, you are missed – love to all of you 🙏”
Lee’s other castmate, Jimmy Heagerty, remembered the TV personality as his “ride-or-die.”
“Outside of the house, we reaffirmed our friendship, and that meant more to me than you’ll ever know,” Heagerty continued. “What we built wasn’t just a game relationship − It was real, and it mattered. … Losing you hurts in a way I wasn’t prepared for, but I’ll always carry the love, trust and memories we shared. You’ll forever have a piece of my heart.”
“This is so devastating,” wrote “Big Brother” Season 25 contestant Mecole Hayes. “We are incredibly sad for this unfortunate loss. Rest peacefully beautiful 😔”
“My heart just sank… I met Mickey recently and was drawn to her beautiful spirit and infectious energy,” commented “Destination X” star Tai Lowry. “To her family – I am deeply sorry for your loss. We love and miss you Mickey ❤️🕊️ Rest easy 🙏🏽”
“This is so heartbreaking. I’m so happy she got to live out an experience of a lifetime on ‘Big Brother’ and share her light with the world,” Bayleigh Pelham of “Big Brother Canada” wrote. “I’m honored to have met her for a brief moment. She was SO kind and beautiful; I was truly amazed by her light. This one hurts.”
‘Big Brother’ host Julie Chen Moonves pays tribute to Mickey Lee
Julie Chen Moonves, the longtime host of “Big Brother,” paid tribute to Lee in an emotional Instagram post on Friday. Moonves interviewed the TV personality for her podcast, “God 101,” in September.
“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,” Moonves wrote alongside a photo of the pair.
“Last night God brought her home 🕊️,” Moonves continued. “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 🙏🏼”
This story was updated to add new information.
Contributing: Melina Khan, USA TODAY