‘Big Brother 27’ Star Mickey Lee Dies at 35 – Cause of Death Revealed

Mickey Lee, a standout contestant from Big Brother Season 27, has passed away at the age of 35, her family confirmed.

Lee died on the evening of Thursday, December 25, after being hospitalized with complications from the flu that led to multiple cardiac arrests.

Her family shared the news on social media the following day, writing, “With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening.”

The statement highlighted Mickey’s impact both on the show and off, saying, “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.”

During her 59-day stint on the show, Mickey was known for her strategic gameplay. She made headlines for using her “HoH Interrogator” power to challenge Rylie Jeffries as Head of Household, later nominating him for eviction before he managed to survive, sending Jimmy Heagerty home instead.

Earlier in the week, her family had shared that Mickey was in critical but stable condition in the ICU, surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones.

They also directed fans to a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical expenses. The statement said, “Many of you know Mickey Lee from Big Brother (CBS) where she became one of the most talked about houseguests on Season 27. A vibrant, strategic and unforgettable personality, Mickey captured the attention of fans with her energy, authenticity and bold gameplay. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and based in Atlanta, Georgia, she brought charm and fierce competition to the Big Brother house as an event curator and creative force.”

The family added, “This sudden health crisis has left Mickey and her family facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs.”

Fellow Big Brother alumni took to social media to express their condolences. Will Williams from Season 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 added, “Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed – love to all of you 🙏.”

Tommy Bracco also commented, “When you watch BB you feel like you know the houseguests, so even though I didn’t know her, my heart breaks. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a very special person and she’ll be remembered always ❤️‍🩹.”

Over the show’s 27 seasons, Mickey Lee is the third Big Brother contestant to pass away. Kent Blackwelder from Season 2 died of a heart attack in 2017 at 62, and Cassandra Waldon from Season 1 died in 2019 at 56 due to a car accident.

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