Some My 600-lb Life stars tragically passed away after their seasons aired, and they are missed. The reality series tells the stories of people who seek the help of renowned weight loss surgeon, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (also known as Dr. Now). The show’s cast members attempt to change their lives by losing weight. Their journeys often begin with Dr. Now recommending that they lose a certain amount of weight. If they don’t, they can’t qualify for bariatric surgery. If they follow his program, they are often highly successful. In some cases, they change their lives completely, for the better, by filming the series.
However, some cast members who sought My 600-lb Life‘s Dr. Nowzaradan’s help have sadly passed away since their episodes aired. The series’ celebs who have died include Henry Foots, Sean Milliken, James King, James “LB” Bonner, Lisa Fleming, and Coliesa McMillian. In addition, Renee Biran, Gina Krasley, Ashley Randall, Laura Ann Perez, and Destinee LaShaee are reality stars who sadly passed away. Tragically, Rob Buchel and Kelly Mason died during filming. It’s time to remember three of these beloved stars.
My 600-Lb Life – Henry Foots
Henry appeared in My 600-lb Life season 1 in 2012. The first season of the show chronicled seven years in patients’ lives, so fans learned a lot about Henry, who was endearing. He was the first star from the show who passed away. He died in May 2013, shortly after his episode aired at the age of 54. Henry was 47 years old when he reached out to Dr. Now for help. He was about 715 pounds, and he wanted to lose weight before his high school reunion. On the show, Henry flat-lined during his surgery. However, he pulled through and lost 440 pounds, impressing My 600-lb Life fans.
In 2012, Henry was able to return to work as a bus driver. Tragically, he had a medical episode a few months later, and lost control of a bus. The vehicle struck and killed a 43-year-old woman. Although this was a terrible experience, Henry’s 2013 death was reported to have no relation to the accident, or his weight. His exact cause of death wasn’t made public.
My 600-Lb Life – Sean Milliken
Sean’s My 600-lb Life episode aired in 2016. He weighed over 900 pounds at the start of his journey. With Dr. Now’s help, he was able to lose over 400 pounds. After the loss of his beloved mother, Renee, in 2017, Sean was living with grief. By 2019, he had gained over 250 pounds, and was admitted to the hospital where he’d lost that weight. When he was released from the hospital, he regained the weight, and Dr. Now once again hospitalized him. However, two weeks after returning to the hospital, Sean died at the age of 29, from cardiac arrest resulting from an infection.
My 600-Lb Life – Kelly Mason
Kelly appeared on My 600-lb Life season 7, and was the second person to pass away during filming. When she began her weight loss journey, she was 41 years old, and over 700 pounds. She was nearly immobile when she sought help from Dr. Now. She had previously been hospitalized for shortness of breath and congestive heart failure. Kelly lost 220 pounds, and was approved for weight loss surgery. She then lost another 100 pounds. However, in February 2019, she passed away in her sleep a few days before her 42nd birthday, due to cardiac arrest. Dr. Now was saddened by Kelly’s death. He said that it was not a result of her relapsing back into her old eating habits, but from the damage that her weight had done to her heart.
My 600-lb Life is a heart-wrenching reality show because it deals with real people trying to overcome serious health problems. Unfortunately, they are not always able to do this. Despite their best efforts (and Dr. Now’s), it is sometimes too late for them to recover. These My 600-Lb Life stars were brave to share their journeys with the world, and they will always be remembered.
My 600-lb Life airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC.
