Big Brother alum Mickey Lee has tragically passed away at the age of 35, and new details about the cause of her death have emerged.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mickey, who competed on Big Brother's 27th season this past summer, died on December 25 after suffering a "series of cardiac arrests" due to complications from the flu that had landed her in the hospital and ICU.

RELATED LINK: 'BIG BROTHER' SHOWMANCES NOW: WHO'S STILL TOGETHER? WHICH COUPLES HAVE SPLIT UP?? (PHOTOS)

Mickey's family confirmed the Big Brother alum's death on December 26.

"With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening," Mickey's loved ones wrote via Instagram.

"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 statement continued: "She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen."

Mickey's family also acknowledged the support they had received from fans while Mickey was fighting for her life in the hospital.

"Your kindness has been felt and is sincerely appreciated," the message added. "As the family mourns the tremendous loss, they respectfully request privacy during this critical time of bereavement."

Mickey's loved ones concluded, "Mickey's light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten."

According to a GoFundMe account created on December 22 asking for help with Mickey's hospital bills, Mickey had suffered a "series of cardiac arrests" that left her in "critical but stable condition," People reported.

At the time, the website stated that "this sudden health crisis has left Mickey and her family facing enormous emotional and financial strain from mounting hospital bills to ongoing care and recovery costs."

The GoFundMe page described Mickey as "a vibrant, strategic, and unforgettable personality" who "captured the attention of fans with her energy, authenticity, and bold gameplay."

As of December 29, the page raised over $41,000 of the family's $45,000 goal.

RELATED LINK: 'SURVIVOR' COUPLES NOW: WHO'S STILL TOGETHER?! WHICH SHOWMANCES SPLIT UP? (PHOTOS) 

Following Mickey's death, the family updated the GoFundMe page and asked for donations to relieve the burden of expenses associated with Mickey's transition.

"With heavy hearts, we come together to honor and remember the life of Mickey Lee -- a radiant soul whose presence left a lasting imprint on everyone and every space she touched... She didn't just play [Big Brother], she lit up the house."

The page wrote that Mickey was "an extreme light in this world" who had "a rare gift" of making people feel seen, celebrated and inspired.

More information was also given on "what happened" to the Big Brother alum.

"Mickey recently suffered a sudden and devastating medical emergency and experienced a series of cardiac arrests due to complications from the flu," the GoFundMe page revealed.

"She has since transitioned, surrounded by loved ones. Her passing has left her family, friends and community heartbroken."

The family said they were raising funds to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance, ICU and specialist care, family travel costs, and funeral and memorial expenses. They asked fans to help support Mickey's legacy before thanking everyone for their continued prayers.

Mickey was originally from Jacksonville, FL, but she later put down roots in Atlanta, GA. She was an event curator and "creative force" within Atlanta, according to her family.

Since Mickey's death was confirmed, Big Brother alums have been reacting to the sad news on social media.

Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves wrote on Instagram, "Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on God 101. That's when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive."

RELATED LINK: 'THE AMAZING RACE' COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS)

"Last night God brought her home," she went on to share.

"Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity. I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen."

Big Brother's official account commented "truly heartbreaking" on Julie's post, before sharing it to Instagram Stories.

"Sending our sincere condolences to Mickey's friends and family and to the houseguests and fans who loved her as much as we did," the account wrote alongside the share.

Meanwhile, Big Brother icon Rachel Reilly wrote that she's "forever grateful" for the time she got to share with Mickey on Season 27 of the game.

"I got to share that house and that experience with Mickey. We walked into the Big Brother house as strangers and walked out bonded for life," Rachel said.

"I wish I could still thank her for the memories, the laughter, and the moments only we will ever understand. I'll carry a bit of Mickey with me always. Rest in peace, my friend."

Big Brother Season 25 houseguest Mecole Hayes wrote, "Mickey. This is so devastating. We are incredibly sad for this unfortunate loss. Rest peacefully beautiful."

And Big Brother Season 20 houseguest Bayleigh Dayton called the news "so heartbreaking."

"I'm so happy she got to live out an experience of a lifetime on big brother and share her light with the world," Bayleigh continued.

RELATED LINK: 'BIG BROTHER' SHOWMANCES NOW: WHO'S STILL TOGETHER? WHICH COUPLES HAVE SPLIT UP?? (PHOTOS)

"I'm honoured to have met her for a brief moment. She was SO kind and beautiful, I was truly amazed by her light. This one hurts. Sending all my love to her family and friends."

Mickey was evicted from the Big Brother house in Week 8 during a September episode of the CBS reality series. She finished in tenth place.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS