‘My 600-Lb. Life’ Tragedies
Lisa Fleming, Gina Krasley, Robert Buchel and more former My 600-Lb. Life stars have tragically passed away over the years.
My 600-Lb. Life premiered on TLC in 2012. While season 1 featured patients who were filmed over a period of seven years, the show tweaked its format and documented cast members for one year starting at season 2. By season 8, some stars were only filmed for six months.
Tragedy struck the reality show for the first time in 2013 when season 1 star Henry Foots died. Five years later, Lexington County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina confirmed to Us Weekly that James “L.B.” Bonner died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at a park.
“On the show, viewers saw L.B. struggle with obesity following a tragic accident that claimed his right leg. Even though he once weighed 650 pounds, L.B.’s hard work and dedication helped get him in the 200-pound range,” the network said in a statement in August 2018. “His spirit and determination as displayed through his story, quickly made L.B. a fan favorite, and family and friends have taken to L.B.’s Facebook page to commemorate his life. TLC was deeply saddened to hear of L.B.’s passing and is honored to have shared his honest and courageous story on My 600-lb Life.”
That same month, fellow season 6 star Fleming died at the age of 50, with her daughter, Danielle, telling TMZ that “she was sick and her body was tired and her body just gave out.”
She paid tribute to her late mother via Facebook at the time.
“I am truly at a loss for words right now. God knows I wanted you hold on until I got here but He knew what was best for me,” Danielle wrote. “I didn’t need to see you like that! This morning I sat and held your hands for 4 hours knowing nothing I could’ve done would bring you back to me. Anybody who knows me knows I gave my mother my ALL! She was my world and I was her #NumberOneGirl. Mommy, I love you from here to the stars and back! Those babies loved you even more. I’m happy you’re no longer in pain and stuck in that bed.”
As of August 2021, 10 people total have died since appearing on the show.
Scroll through for more My 600-Lb. Life tragedies:
Credit: YouTube
Larry ‘Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits’ Myers Jr.
Meyes, who went viral for a video about eating food, weighed 940 pounds when he appeared on the TLC series in 2022. The aspiring gospel singer died in June 2023, days after turning 49.
Credit: TLC
Destinee LaShaee
Destinee was the first transgender woman to appear on My 600-Lb. Life, sharing her journey and mental health struggles on season 7 in 2019. Her brother confirmed her passing in February 2022.
“No no no I’m sorry bro, I accept you for who you are, I accept every flaw that come with you, I’m sorry you felt alone, I’m sorry you felt you had nobody else to turn too,” Wayne Compton wrote via Facebook. “I’m sorry you felt you had no other option Destiny wouldn’t of wanted this, lord why keep taking my siblings away, how much can I take💔💔💔.”
Credit: TLC
Henry Foots
The season 1 star lost 440 pounds during his seven-year journey, which aired in 2012. Less than one year later, he died, with his obituary noting he “Went home to be with the Lord.” His cause of death is unknown.
Credit: TLC
Sean Milliken
Sean appeared on the show in 2016. His father, Matt Milliken, confirmed in February 2019 that he died of complications of an infection at the age of 29.
“Sean was admitted into the hospital a couple days prior, because of an infection,” Matt wrote via Facebook. “Sunday he was having problems with his breathing, they were able to resuscitate him and a short time later his heart stopped.”
Credit: TLC
James King
James, who appeared on season 5, died in April 2020. He was previously hospitalized for health issues related to his kidney.
Credit: YouTube via TLC
James ‘L.B.’ Bonner
L.B., who appeared on season 6, was found dead in August 2018 at the age of 30.
Credit: TLC
Lisa Fleming
In August 2018, Lisa’s daughter, Danielle, broke the news that the season 6 star died at the age of 50.
Credit: Discovery+
Robert Buchel
Robert had a fatal heart attack while filming the series in 2017.
“I lost my best friend and the person I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with,” fiancée Kathryn Lemanski said on a February 2018 episode the show. “He told me, ‘I don’t think I’ll make it through the night. I love you and I always will.’”
Credit: YouTube
Kelly Mason
The season 7 personality was the second person to die while filming the TLC series, passing away in her sleep due to cardiac arrest in 2019 at the age of 41.
Credit: TLC
Coliesa McMillian
Coliesa, who appeared on season 8 of My 600-Lb. Life, died at the age of 41 in September 2020. While her cause of death was not reported, Coliesa suffered a heart attack shortly before her March 2020 episode aired.
Credit: YouTube
Renee Biran
The season 6 star died at the age of 55 in May 2021.
Credit: Courtesy TLC/YouTube
Gina Krasley
Gina, who appeared on season 8, died in August 2021 at the age of 30.
