Mickey Lee, a contestant on CBS’ Big Brother last summer, died last night following a series of cardiac arrests in recent days. She was 35.
Lee’s death was announced by her family on her Instagram page today.
“With profound sadness,” the post reads, “the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening. 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, the message continues, “will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed on and offscreen.”
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Lee’s passing follows a December 22 GoFundMe posting that indicated the Atlanta-based TV personality had been hospitalized following the cardiac arrests, which themselves had followed Lee’s bout with the flu.
Originally of Jacksonville, Florida, Lee was a cast member on Season 27 of the longrunning reality show. That installment of Big Brother ran from July to September, 2025; Lee was voted out of the Big Brother house by her co-competitors during the eighth week of the season.
According to the GoFundMe page, Lee’s “sudden health crisis” left her and her family “facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs.” As of today, the page had raised $31,747 of a $40,000 goal. The money is to be used for medical expenses not covered by insurance and other related costs.
Today’s Instagram post announcing her death expresses the family’s “deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love and support,” and asks for “privacy during this critical time of bereavement.”
“Mickey’s light, legacy and impact will never be forgotten,” the post concludes.
In an exit interview with Deadline’s sister site Gold Derby, Lee said she actually preferred to leave the show when she did (she was evicted by a 6-1 vote on September 4, 2025. “I get to go out and live my life a little bit before coming back for finale,” she said. The season was won by contestant and lawyer Ashley Hollis on September 28.
Among Lee’s co-stars offering condolences on social media were Rachel Reilly (“Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed – love to all of you”), Clifton “Will” Williams (“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”) and Zach Cornell (“Mickey, thank you for being such an incredible friend and inspiration to me both in and out of the house”).
Big Brother housemate Jimmy Heagerty writes, “Mickey, my heart is absolutely broken. In the house you were my friend, my first #1, and my ride or die. Outside of the house we reaffirmed our friendship, and that meant more to me than you’ll ever know. What we built wasn’t just a game relationship, it was real, and it mattered. I’m grateful for every laugh, every late-night talk, and every moment we had each other’s backs. 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.”
Information on Lee’s survivors was not immediately available.