‘Big Brother 27’ Star Mickey Lee Dies at 35 After Multiple Cardiac Arrest

Mickey Leei Big Brother alum who made a name for himself as a power player early in season 27 this summer, has died at the age of 35, his family announced.

Mickey died early Thursday, December 25, after being hospitalized for multiple cardiac arrests while battling flu complications.

“It is with great sadness that Mickey Lee’s family announces his passing on Christmas morning,” his family wrote in a statement released on social media on Friday, December 26.

“Mickey captured the hearts of audiences across the country with his appearance on Big Brother, where his authenticity, energy and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike,” the statement continued. “He will be remembered for the joy he brought to the lives of so many and the genuine connections he made on and off screen.”

Mickey played 59 days in the game Big Brother in the house and was the last eviction guest before the jury phase began. He was best remembered on the show for using his “HoH Interrogator” powers to remove the monarchy Rylie Jeffries as the Head of the Family. He then turned around and nominated Rylie, 27, to be fired before leaving the set again. Jimmy Heagerty instead he went home.

Mickey’s family announced on Monday, December 22, that he is in “critical but stable condition” and is “surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones” in the ICU. Their statement directed fans to a GoFundMe set up to help defray his medical expenses.

“Many of you know Mickey Lee Big Brother (CBS) where he became one of the most talked about guests of Season 27,” their statement read at the time. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, and based in Atlanta, Georgia, he brought beauty and fierce competition to the Big Brother house as a host and creative force.”

The statement continued, “This sudden health crisis has left Mickey and his family facing significant emotional and financial hardships from mounting hospital bills to the ongoing costs of care and recovery.”

Big Brother The students, from season 27 and earlier, have started sending their condolences.

“This is really bad,” Big Brother 27‘s Will Williams he wrote on Instagram. “Life is too short. Mickey was a wonderful spirit and joy in the house. Prayers to his family. Big brother’s family will miss him dearly 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.”

Big Brother 13 winner and guest of season 27 Rachel Reilly-Villegas he added,”I’m sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed – love you all 🙏.”

“When you watch BB, you feel like you know the people in the house, so even if I don’t know him, my heart hurts,” he added. Big Brother 21′s Tommy Bracco. “I am so sorry for your loss. You were a special person and will always be missed ❤️‍🩹”

Us Weekly has reached out to CBS for comment.

Over 27 seasons, Mickey is the third Big Brother the player who died. Big Brother 2 alum Kent Blackwelder died of a heart attack in 2017 at the age of 62, when Cassandra Waldon from Big Brother 1 He died in 2019 at the age of 56 from injuries sustained in a car accident.