Mickey Lee, an Atlanta resident on the latest season of the “Big Brother” television show, died on Christmas Day, her family shared in a public social media post Friday.
Lee, 35, had been in a critical but stable condition after recently suffering multiple cardiac arrests, her family said. Supporters started raising money through GoFundMe for her medical bills earlier in the week. By Friday afternoon, almost $35,000 had been donated.
“With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening,” family members said Friday in a public Instagram post. “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 post had more than 21,000 likes and 1,000 comments within several hours.
Lee was an event curator who lived in Midtown. She was nicknamed “Micktator” behind her back by some other competitors during Season 27 of “Big Brother” on CBS.
One of three contestants from metro Atlanta, Lee’s time on the show ended Sept. 4 after 59 days.
Her family said she will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of many and for the genuine connections she formed on and off the screen.
According to the fundraiser, Lee’s recent health problems stemmed from complications from the flu.
Lee was originally from Jacksonville, Florida.
After leaving “Big Brother,” Lee told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she had no regrets about being on the show.
“It’s such a small, close-knit group of people who get to be on the show,” she told the AJC in September. “I didn’t win ‘Big Brother 27′ but I feel like I won. I feel like this will lead to more opportunities for me and my business.”
In a public social media post Christmas Day, Lee’s family thanked supporters for their prayers while asking for privacy.
“Our hearts are heavy as we walk through a critical moment regarding Mickey,” the post said. “We feel the love surrounding us and we are incredibly thankful.”
Lee’s fellow Season 27 contestant, Cartersville resident Zach Cornell, said in an Instagram post Friday that Lee was like a big sister to him.
“I know God’s got you right now, and you’re smiling down on all of us rooting us on,” he said. “You’ll always have special place in my heart, and I’ll keep trying to shine that light that you always had in the A.”
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