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TLC's coveted reality series, My 600-lb Life, has helped transform the lives of many who appeared on the show seeking the expertise of renowned weight loss surgeon, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, popularly known as Dr. Now. Many cast members have successfully turned their lives around by following Dr. Now's prescribed program and undergoing bariatric surgery.
However, the journey was not the same for all. Some cast members who sought Dr. Now's help met an untimely demise after their episodes aired. While some struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle, relapsing to debilitating eating habits, others died due to other illnesses.
With 12 seasons under its sleeve, My 600-lb Life bid farewell to many beloved cast members. Here is a list of five participants who passed away.
Disclaimer: This article contains information about suicide.
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5 My 600-lb Life reality stars who have passed on
1) Henry Foots
Henry Foots, featured in the first season of My 600-lb Life in 2012, passed away in May 2013, aged 54, shortly after his episode aired. He reportedly died due to an illness unrelated to his weight.
He was 47 when he first contacted Dr. Now for help. He weighed 715 pounds when he joined the show and wanted to begin his weight loss journey, hoping to transform himself in time for his high school reunion.
After two successful bariatric surgeries, Henry lost 440 pounds, leaving a lasting impression on Dr. Now. However, despite the surgeries, it took the My 600-lb Life star another seven years to adjust to his new life. He also got into a traffic accident in 2012 while working as a bus driver, however, it was reported to have no relation to his death which occurred six months later.
2) Sean Milliken
Sean Milliken was featured in season 4 of My 600-lb Life in 2016. The 26-year-old weighed over 900 pounds at the start of his weight loss journey. Unable to perform basic daily activities, he reached out to Dr. Now, hoping to turn his life around for the better. Although difficult, with Dr. Now's guidance, Sean lost over 400 pounds on the show.
However, his journey came to a halt when he lost his mother, Renee, in 2017. By 2019, a grieving Sean, gained over 250 pounds tackling the loss of his beloved mother. Ultimately, he returned to the hospital, hoping to lose the weight with Dr. Now's help.
On February 19, 2019, two weeks after his admission, PEOPLE confirmed Sean's death, resulting from a cardiac arrest caused by an infection.
3) Kelly Mason
Kelly Mason's My 600-lb Life episode was featured in season 7 in 2019. She appeared on the show, weighing over 700 pounds at age 41. Unable to perform everyday activities, Kelly relied heavily on her family and friends' support and had become nearly immobile. At that point, she reached out to Dr. Now, hoping to embark on a weight loss journey.
Kelly followed the prescribed program and successfully lost 220 pounds before getting approval for bariatric surgery. She then lost another 100 pounds. However, Kelly met her demise in February 2019, before she could start life afresh. She passed away in her sleep due to a cardiac arrest, days before her 42nd birthday.
Dr. Now grieved Kelly's death because it was caused due to her damaged heart, not her eating disorder.
4) Gina Krasley
Gina Krasley appeared on season 8 of My 600-lb Life in 2020, weighing over 600 pounds. The show documented her struggles with losing weight, despite her will to transform her life for her wife, Beth. Gina lost a little over 50 pounds during her time on the show.
Gina passed away on August 1, 2021, at age 30. However, the New Jersey resident's official cause of death was not revealed.
5) James Bonner
James "LB" Bonner's story was featured in a season 6 episode of My 600-lb Life. The 29-year-old appeared on the show weighing 640 pounds, determined to lose weight and prove himself to his adoptive family.
In 2013, James lost one of his legs in an auto accident, which changed his life forever. He eventually turned to food and alcohol to cope with the loss. It jeopardized family relationships and severely affected his lifestyle. At that point, he took a stand to rework himself.
Despite facing multiple hurdles, James was dedicated to improving his health and getting his life back on track. He eventually lost 300 pounds, impressing Dr. Now. James went on to maintain a healthy lifestyle, glimpses of which he frequently shared on his social media handles. However, he committed suicide later in 2018, passing away at the age of 30.
Episodes of My 600-lb Life are available to stream on Discovery+.
