Big Brother Contestant Mickey Lee Dies on Christmas Day at Age 35

Mickey Lee passed away Christmas evening after battling complications from what began as the flu and escalated into multiple cardiac arrests.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 12/26/2025, 4:13:16 PM EST

Big Brother Contestant Mickey Lee Dies on Christmas Day at Age 35 — Mickey Lee attends CBS Atlanta Fest at RETREAT by The Gathering Spot in Atlanta on Sept. 16, 2025. (Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images for Paramount+)

Mickey Lee, a contestant on "Big Brother" Season 27 and known for her bold gameplay and authentic personality, passed away Christmas evening, her family announced. She was 35.

The event curator from Jacksonville, Florida, who was based in Atlanta, Georgia, died after battling complications from what began as the flu and escalated into multiple cardiac arrests, according to a Friday Instagram post on her official account.

"With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening," her family wrote.

Lee had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit in critical but stable condition following the cardiac arrests, according to a GoFundMe campaign established to assist with medical costs. The fundraiser had collected over $35,000 toward a $40,000 goal as of Friday afternoon.

On the day she died, Lee's family had requested privacy through an Instagram post.

"Right now, our family needs quiet, space, and uninterrupted time to focus on her care and on one another," according to the Christmas Day post. "We respectfully ask that calls, texts, and messages pause for now."

Lee placed 10th on the CBS reality competition series this year, departing during week eight. She served as head of household during week four, when she exercised a special interrogation power to remove Rylie Jeffries from the position.

Her aggressive leadership approach within various alliances throughout the competition ultimately positioned her as a target for elimination.

The "Big Brother" community responded with an outpouring of grief following the announcement.

Rachel Reilly, a former "Big Brother" winner who also appeared in the most recent season, expressed condolences in comments below the family’s Friday update on Instagram.

"Sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family RIP MICKEY you are missed - love to all of you," Reilly wrote.

Jimmy Heagerty, who formed a close alliance with Lee during the show, shared an emotional tribute.

"In the house you were my friend, my first #1, and my ride or die," Heagerty commented. "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."

Bayleigh Pelham, winner of Big Brother Canada 12, also commented.

"I'm so happy she got to live out an experience of a lifetime on big brother and share her light with the world," Pelham wrote. "I'm honoured to have met her for a brief moment. She was SO kind and beautiful, I was truly amazed by her light."

The family expressed appreciation for the support received during Lee's health crisis.

"The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this incredibly difficult time," they wrote. "Your kindness has been felt and is sincerely appreciated."

Memorial service details will be announced at a later date. The family requested privacy during their time of grief.