Updated on: Dec 3, 2024 10:50 am·
By Samantha Benitz and Alyssa Norwin
Fans of My 600-Lb. Life have enjoyed watching the inspirational success stories of countless cast members over the years, but have also witnessed the deaths of some stars from the franchise far too soon.
In August 2021, viewers were devastated to hear about the heartbreaking death of a show member, season 8 alum Gina Marie Krasley, who died in her Tuckerton, New Jersey, home at the age of 30.
Unfortunately, Gina is far from the only star of the show to have died in recent years. Season 7 alum Angela Gutierrez’s death was confirmed on Facebook in March 2023. Later that year, another season 7 star, Vianey Rodriguez, also passed away.
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Angela Gutierrez
Angela, who appeared on season 7 of My 600-Lb. Life, died in March 2023, according to an obituary posted to her Facebook page. She was 49 years old and died in the hospital after posting about her low oxygen levels on social media. Angela was survived by her husband and two children.
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Vianey Rodriguez
In November 2023, Vianey “Vanessa” Edith Rodriguez died at the age of 41 four years after appearing on My 600-Lb. Life. Vianey contracted pneumonia after being hospitalized for COVID-19, her brother-in-law revealed at the time. She was survived by her husband of more than 10 years.
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Henry Foots
The season 1 star was only the second ever patient of Dr. Now, and fans were devastated to learn of his passing at age 54 in May 2013. Although his cause of death is not public, his obituary noted that Henry “went home to be with the Lord.”
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Robert Buchel
While filming the show, Robert suffered a fatal heart attack in 2017 and died at the age of 41 in a Houston hospital.
“I lost my best friend and the person I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with,” his fiancée, Kathryn Lemanski, shared on an episode in 2018.
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James ‘L.B.’ Bonner
In August 2018, the season 6 participant was tragically found dead at the age of 30 after dying by suicide.
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Lisa Fleming
Shortly after James’ death, the TLC franchise lost another valuable cast member: season 6 star Lisa, who died at the age of 50 on August 23, 2018.
“I am truly at a loss for words right now,” Lisa’s daughter wrote. “God knows I wanted you to hold on until I got here but He knew what was best for me. I didn’t need to see you like that! This morning I sat and held your hand for four hours knowing nothing I could’ve done would bring you back to me.”
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Sean Milliken
Sean’s father confirmed the season 4 alum died at age 29 in February 2019 from complications due to an infection. “He was having problems with his breathing, they were able to resuscitate him and a short time later his heart stopped,” read the statement.
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Kelly Mason
Kelly sadly died in her sleep from cardiac arrest in February 2019, age 41. The season 7 alum was the second participant to pass away during the show’s filming. She died just one day before her 42nd birthday.
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James King
He first made his debut on season 5 of the hit TLC series and made several follow-up appearances over the next few years. James died at the age of 49 in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 3, 2020. He was survived by wife, Lisa, their six children and 19 grandchildren.
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Coliesa McMillian
2020 claimed the life of another beloved cast member: Coliesa. She died in September of that year following her appearance on season 8.
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Gina Krasley
Gina, a fan-favorite on season 8, died at the age of 30 in August 2021.
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Destinee LaShaee
Destinee LaShaee, born Matthew Ventress, was the first transgender person to appear on the TLC reality show. The reality star’s death was confirmed by brother Christopher Ventress via Facebook on February 8.
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Laura Ann Perez
Laura appeared on season 3 of the TLC series and had an incredible success story, dropping over 300 pounds. Sadly, Laura died in November 2021 at the age of 48.
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Ashley Randall
After appearing on the show’s first season, Ashley managed to lose 400 pounds. However, in October 2021, at the age of 40, she died in Kileen, Texas.
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Renee Biran
Another season 6 star, Renee died in May 2021. She was 56 years old.
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Larry Myers Jr.
Larry, better known as Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits, documented his weight loss journey on season 10 of the long-running franchise. Sadly, Larry died of a heart attack in June 2023, In Touch confirmed.
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