“Big Brother” alum Mickey Lee died Thursday night after suffering multiple cardiac arrests.
The next day, the 35-year-old’s family confirmed her death via Instagram.
“It is with deep sadness that Mickey Lee’s family announces her transition on Christmas evening,” Friday’s statement said.
“Mickey won the hearts of audiences across America through her appearance on ‘Big Brother,’ and her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike,” the upload continued.
Lee’s loved ones added: “She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many people and the genuine connections she made on and off screen.”
Mr Lee’s family expressed their “deepest gratitude to everyone for their prayers, love and support” before mourning his “tremendous loss” and asking for “privacy at this important time of bereavement”.
“Mickey’s light, legacy and influence will never be forgotten,” the statement concluded.
News broke earlier this week that Lee had been hospitalized, with a GoFundMe page saying the former CBS personality was in “serious but stable condition” after “suffering a series of cardiac arrests.”
At the time, the page’s host Cori Smith said Lee’s “road ahead…is long and difficult” after a “sudden health crisis.”
As of Friday, the organization had reached $31,000 of its $40,000 fundraising goal, which was intended to cover medical care not covered by insurance, professional treatment, recovery support, lodging and travel for family members.
Lee’s Big Brother alumni congratulated her in the comments on Instagram while she was in the hospital.
Jimmy Heagerty wrote: “Wishing you an easy and smooth recovery,” while Rachel Riley added: “Mickey, thinking and praying for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏.”
Lee, in particular, was a cast member in the series’ latest season, season 27, which aired from July to September.
She was voted out by her co-stars during the show’s eighth week.
“I like it better this way,” Lee insisted upon his exit from the Gold Derby. “You get to go out and live your life a little bit before you come back for the finale.”
