• Mickey Lee died Christmas evening after suffering multiple cardiac arrests from flu complications
• The Jacksonville native and Atlanta event curator competed on Big Brother 27 earlier in 2025
• Family announced her passing on Instagram, asking for privacy during bereavement

ATLANTA (TDR) — Big Brother Season 27 star Mickey Lee died on Christmas Day at age 35, her family confirmed Thursday morning on Instagram. The reality television contestant passed away in the early evening after battling severe flu complications that led to multiple cardiac arrests earlier this month.

“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” the statement posted to her Instagram account read. The family described Lee as someone who “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.”

 

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From Flu to Cardiac Crisis

Lee, a Jacksonville, Florida native who worked as an event curator in Atlanta, was hospitalized in intensive care earlier in December after contracting the flu. The illness rapidly complicated into a series of cardiac arrests that left her in critical but stable condition, according to previous reports from FOX 5 Atlanta.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by friend Kori Smith raised over $31,000 to help with escalating medical costs and ongoing care as Lee fought for her life. The fundraiser described her as “a vibrant, strategic, and unforgettable personality” who brought “charm and fierce competition to the Big Brother house.”

“Mickey has touched so many lives through her courage, bold personality, and unforgettable presence on Big Brother,” Smith wrote in the campaign description. “Let’s show her the same love and support now when she needs it most.”

Bold Gameplay on Big Brother 27

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Lee competed on Big Brother 27 earlier in 2025, where she finished in tenth place after being evicted in Week 8 by a 6-1 vote. The 35-year-old event planner emerged as one of the early power players, making waves when she activated her “HOH Interrogation” power in Week 4.

After Rylie Jeffries won Head of Household and planned to nominate her, Lee used her power to allow Jeffries to interrogate all houseguests privately. When Jeffries incorrectly guessed Ashley Hollis as the power holder, Lee overthrew him and became HOH herself in one of the season’s most dramatic moments.

Her reign proved controversial when she and ally Morgan Pope turned on their own Triple Threat alliance member Jimmy Heagerty, orchestrating the first major blindside of the season. While successful in evicting her target, the bold move transformed Lee from insider to house outsider.

“Following Jimmy’s backdoor, Mickey controlled the house with an iron fist,” the Big Brother Wiki notes, adding that after the house turned against her autocratic gameplay, “Mickey was unknowingly left without any allies.”

Tributes Pour In From Big Brother Family

Season 27 winner Ashley Hollis, who earned the $750,000 prize in September, posted her condolences on social media. “Praying for micky!!!!!!!” Hollis wrote, later adding in comments, “I’m so sad for Micky! It’s truly terrible.”

Fellow houseguest Clifton “Will” Williams captioned his tribute: “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.”

Zach Cornell wrote: “Mickey, thank you for being such an incredible friend and inspiration to me both in and out of the house. I’ll keep trying to shine your light through the A, and I know you’re looking down on us right now. ATL Baddie for life.”

Flu Season Claims Thousands Annually

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza claims thousands of lives annually across the United States. This season has seen intensified flu activity due to a new variant and lower vaccination rates nationwide.

Metro Atlanta reported 501 hospitalizations and 12 deaths from flu as of December 13, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Across the United States, the flu has contributed to approximately 1,900 deaths and at least 49,000 hospitalizations during the current season.

Lee’s family asked for privacy “during this critical time of bereavement” and said memorial service details would be shared at a later date. The statement concluded: “Mickey’s light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten.”

How can reality TV communities better support cast members facing medical emergencies after their time on shows ends?

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