Big Brother contestant Mickey Lee died on Thursday, Dec. 25, after she was hospitalized earlier in the week following “a series of cardiac arrests.” She was 35.
Lee’s family announced her death in an Instagram post shared on Friday, Dec. 26.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” the statement reads. “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 castmembers 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 offscreen.”
Lee had been in the ICU earlier in the week after a number of cardiac arrests, according to a GoFundMe asking for money for her medical expenses. The fundraiser had pulled in nearly $33,000 of its $40,000 total by Friday.
On GoFundMe, Lee’s hospitalization was described as a “sudden health crisis” that “has left Mickey and her family facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida but based in Atlanta, Lee was a contestant on the most recent, 27th season of Big Brother, which aired this summer. During her time on the reality show she was described as an event curator. She was evicted in week eight, finishing in 10th place.
A number of Big Brother alums have paid tribute to Lee on social media since the news of her death.
And Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves recalled speaking with Lee two months ago on her God 101 podcast, where Lee opened up about her health struggles.
“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,” Chen Moonves wrote of Lee on Instagram Friday, next to a photo of the two of them together. “Last night God brought her home. 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.”
In the Instagram post announcing Lee’s death, her family wrote that memorial service arrangements will be shared at a later date.
Original Article on Hollywood Reporter