Mickey Lee, a former contestant on CBS’s Big Brother, has died at the age of 35 after suffering multiple heart attacks, her family confirmed.
The news was shared publicly on Lee’s Instagram account, one day after her death. In the post, her family described her passing as a “transition” and confirmed that she died on Christmas Day following complications related to the flu that led to a series of cardiac events.
“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,” the family wrote in the post, which NBC News confirmed. “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.”
Last week, Lee’s loved ones shared that she was hospitalized in critical condition after experiencing multiple cardiac arrests. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover expenses tied to what the family described as her “medical journey,” including costs not fully covered by insurance.
According to the fundraiser, Lee suffered a series of heart attacks after complications from the flu. At the time the page was created, she was listed as being in the ICU in critical but stable condition, surrounded by medical professionals and family members. As of this writing, the fundraiser had raised more than $32,500.
Lee was originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and had been living in Atlanta, Georgia. During her time on Big Brother, she described herself as an event curator and quickly stood out for her confident presence and social gameplay.
She competed on Big Brother season 27, which aired on CBS earlier this year. The long-running reality series places contestants — known as houseguests — in a closed environment where they navigate alliances, strategy, and weekly evictions to compete for a $750,000 grand prize.
Lee was evicted midway through the season, but she remained a memorable figure among both viewers and fellow houseguests. In post-season interviews, cast members spoke positively about her impact in the house, noting her close friendships and the sense of community she helped foster during the game.
The family has announced no additional details about memorial services or next steps at this time.