Big Brother star, 35, dies on Christmas Day following ‘multiple’ cardiac arrests as family issue heartfelt statement
Mickey Lee, who appeared on the reality series Big Brother, has died aged 35 after experiencing multiple cardiac arrests brought on by complications from influenza.
The TV personality passed away on Christmas evening, with her relatives confirming the news via social media.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” the statement read.
Her loved ones described how she “captured the hearts of audiences nationwide” through her time on the programme.
The tribute championed her “authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike”.
The 35-year-old made her mark during the 27th series of the US version of the long-running reality show, where she quickly established herself as one of the season’s most discussed contestants.
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, and residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Lee worked as an event curator before entering the famous house.
She competed for 59 days before becoming the final contestant eliminated.
Ms Lee competed in the 27th series of the US version of Big Brother
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Ms Lee had been admitted to hospital earlier this week after her health deteriorated rapidly.
On Monday, her family revealed she was being treated in intensive care, describing her condition as critical but stable at the time.
They detailed that she was in a “critical but stable condition’ after suffering a series of cardiac arrests.”
Ms Lee’s family described the situation as a “sudden health crisis’ and said the ‘road ahead … would be long and challenging.”
The reality star was surrounded by medical staff and family members as she fought for her life.
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to assist with the substantial hospital expenses, with organisers explaining that the unexpected medical emergency had placed considerable financial pressure on Lee and her relatives.
However, the star would later tragically succumb to her condition on Christmas Day.
Fellow Big Brother contestants then took to social media to pay tribute to Lee following the announcement of her death.
Will Williams, who appeared alongside her on series 27, wrote on Instagram: “This is absolutely horrible. 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.”
Rachel Reilly-Villegas, winner of the show’s 13th series who also competed in the most recent run, offered her condolences, whilst Tommy Bracco from series 21 remarked that Lee “was a very special person and she’ll be remembered always.”
