The Tragic Toll: A Complete List Of My 600-lb Life Cast Members Who Have Died (Latest Update December 2025)

Contents

The reality of extreme weight loss journeys on TLC’s My 600-lb Life is often fraught with complex medical and emotional challenges, a difficult truth tragically underscored by the number of cast members who have passed away since their episodes aired. As of December 23, 2025, the show’s community is mourning the loss of a significant number of individuals, with the most recent confirmed death being that of Season 3’s Pauline Potter, who passed away in late November 2025. This article provides a comprehensive, updated look at the lives and struggles of the stars we have lost, exploring the causes behind their untimely deaths.

The deeply personal stories shared on the show highlight the severe health risks associated with morbid obesity, including congestive heart failure, sepsis, and complications from surgery. While Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (Dr. Now) works tirelessly to guide patients toward a healthier life through diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery, the battle is often too great. The passing of these cast members serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of their condition and the profound difficulties of long-term recovery.

In Memoriam: A Complete List of My 600-lb Life Cast Members Who Have Died (2013–2025)

The following is a detailed compilation of the My 600-lb Life participants who have sadly passed away, including the season they appeared on, their age at death, and the reported cause of death, where known. This list represents the full, confirmed count of the show's deceased stars, highlighting the ongoing health crisis faced by many with extreme morbid obesity (morbid obesity mortality rates).

  • Pauline Potter (Season 3): Died November 27, 2025, at age 62. Cause of death was complications following a serious car accident earlier in the year.
  • Latonya Pottain (Season 11): Died May 17, 2023, at age 40. Cause of death was acute on chronic congestive heart failure.
  • Larry Myers Jr. (Season 10): Died June 2023, at age 49. Passed away from a heart attack at his home in Houston. He was known for his singing talent and struggled with regaining weight after his episode.
  • Destinee LaShaee (Season 7): Died February 2022, at age 30. She was the show's first transgender star. Her brother confirmed her passing, though the cause was not officially released.
  • Gina Krasley (Season 8): Died August 2021, at age 30. Passed away at home while in hospice care. Her cause of death was not officially revealed, but she suffered from chronic health issues.
  • Ashley Randall (Season 1, "Where Are They Now?"): Died October 2, 2021, at age 40. Passed away from sepsis due to an infection.
  • Coliesa McMillian (Season 8): Died September 2020, at age 41. Passed away due to complications from weight-loss surgery she had undergone a year prior.
  • James King (Season 5): Died April 3, 2020, at age 49. His death was attributed to kidney failure due to his deteriorating health.
  • Sean Milliken (Season 4): Died February 17, 2019, at age 29. Passed away due to complications from an infection.
  • Kelly Mason (Season 7): Died February 15, 2019, at age 41. She suffered a fatal heart attack in her sleep while filming her follow-up episode.
  • Lisa Fleming (Season 6): Died August 2018, at age 50. Her daughter confirmed her passing, stating she "suffered from morbid obesity for years."
  • James "LB" Bonner (Season 6): Died August 2018, at age 30. His death was ruled a suicide.
  • Robert Buchel (Season 6): Died November 2017, at age 41. He suffered a fatal heart attack while filming his episode in Houston.
  • Henry Foots (Season 1): Died May 16, 2013, at age 47. He was the first cast member to die, passing away from an illness unrelated to his weight loss journey.

Pauline Potter’s Final Struggle: The Most Recent Confirmed Death

The reality TV community was shaken by the news of Pauline Potter’s death on Thanksgiving weekend in 2025. Pauline, who first appeared on Season 3 of My 600-lb Life, was known for her candid and often controversial journey. At her heaviest, she reached 643 pounds and at one point held a Guinness World Record for the heaviest woman.

Her final months were marked by tragedy and mounting medical complications. Earlier in 2025, Pauline was involved in a severe car accident that left her with debilitating injuries. These injuries led to a cascade of health issues, ultimately requiring hospice care. Her passing on November 27, 2025, at the age of 62, was a heartbreaking conclusion to her long battle with food addiction and chronic health problems. Her son, Dillon Brooks, confirmed the news, detailing her devastating final health struggles.

Pauline’s story is a profound example of the lifelong commitment required to maintain a healthy weight after bariatric surgery. While she achieved significant weight loss during her initial run on the show, the psychological and physical hurdles of extreme weight retention proved to be a continuous struggle.

Understanding the Causes: Morbid Obesity and Underlying Health Entities

The common thread in many of these deaths is the severe strain that morbid obesity places on the body's vital systems. The medical entities Dr. Now constantly warns his patients about—cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, sepsis, and respiratory distress—are the very things that claimed these lives. The initial weight loss achieved on the show, while often dramatic, is only the first step in a lifelong fight against a complex disease.

The Risk of Heart Failure and Complications

Latonya Pottain's death from acute on chronic congestive heart failure is a textbook example of this risk. At 40, her heart had been working overtime for decades, leading to a fatal collapse of the system. Similarly, Larry Myers Jr.'s passing from a heart attack at 49, and Kelly Mason’s fatal heart attack while filming her follow-up, underscore the critical danger of cardiomyopathy and hypertension in this patient population. These are not just isolated incidents but tragic outcomes linked to the chronic stress of carrying hundreds of extra pounds.

The Mental Health Toll and Addiction

The journey on My 600-lb Life is not just physical; it is a deep dive into mental health and addiction. The death of James "LB" Bonner, which was ruled a suicide, highlights the immense psychological pressure and trauma that many participants carry. Bonner’s struggle with depression and his ultimate tragic end is a crucial reminder that morbid obesity is often a symptom of underlying mental health crises and requires comprehensive psychological support, not just surgical intervention. Robert Buchel’s battle with painkiller addiction, which contributed to his heart attack, is another entity that complicates the recovery process.

The Legacy of My 600-lb Life Stars

Despite the tragic losses, the stories of these cast members leave a powerful legacy. Their willingness to share their most vulnerable moments on television has brought global attention to the crisis of morbid obesity and the need for compassionate, rigorous treatment. Their struggles, successes, and ultimate passing serve as a vital educational tool for viewers, medical professionals, and those currently on their own weight-loss journey.

The show continues to air, bringing new stories of hope and struggle to the forefront. The memory of stars like Pauline Potter, Latonya Pottain, and Sean Milliken remains a poignant part of the show's history, reminding everyone of the high stakes involved in the fight for a second chance at life.

The Tragic Toll: A Complete List of My 600-lb Life Cast Members Who Have Died (Latest Update December 2025)
my 600 pound life died
my 600 pound life died

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