Mickey Lee, the Big Brother alum who made a name for herself as a power player in the early part of season 27 this summer, has died at age 35, her family announced.
Mickey died in the early evening on Thursday, December 25, after being hospitalized due to multiple cardiac arrests as she battled complications from the flu.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” her family wrote in a statement released via social media on Friday, December 26.
“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 statement continued. “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.”
Mickey played for 59 days in the Big Brother house and was the final houseguest to be evicted before the jury phase began. She was best remembered on the show for using her “HoH Interrogator” power to dethrone Rylie Jeffries as Head of Household. She then turned around and nominated Rylie, 27, for eviction, before he won his way off of the chopping block and Jimmy Heagerty went home instead.
Mickey’s family announced on Monday, December 22, that she was in “critical but stable condition” and “surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones” in the ICU. Their statement directed fans to a GoFundMe set up to help offset her medical costs.
“Many of you know Mickey Lee from Big Brother (CBS) where she became one of the most talked about houseguests on Season 27,” their statement read at the time. “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 statement continued, “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.”
Big Brother alumni, both from season 27 and earlier, have begun to share their condolences.
“This is absolutely horrible,” Big Brother 27’s Will Williams wrote via Instagram. “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 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
Big Brother 13 winner and season 27 houseguest Rachel Reilly-Villegas added,”Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed – love to all of you 🙏.”
“When you watch BB you feel like you know the houseguests, so even though I didn’t know her, my heart breaks,” added Big Brother 21’s Tommy Bracco. “I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a very special person and she’ll be remembered always ❤️🩹”
Us Weekly has reached out to CBS for comment.
Over 27 seasons, Mickey is the third Big Brother player to have died. Big Brother 2 alum Kent Blackwelder died of a heart attack in 2017 at age 62, while Cassandra Waldon from Big Brother 1 died in 2019 at age 56 due to injuries sustained in a car accident.