The Tragic Toll: A Complete List Of All 17+ 'My 600-lb Life' Cast Members Who Have Died And Their Causes Of Death
The journey to reclaim one's life on TLC's My 600-lb Life is one of the most compelling and brutally honest portrayals of extreme obesity and food addiction on television. While the show, led by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, often celebrates miraculous weight loss achievements, it has also been shadowed by a devastating reality: the tragic and premature deaths of many participants. As of today, December 22, 2025, the list of cast members who have passed away continues to grow, serving as a sobering reminder of the severe health risks associated with morbid obesity and the long, difficult road to recovery.
This article provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of every My 600-lb Life star who has died since the show's inception, focusing on the most recent losses and the underlying health crises that led to their passing. The stories of these individuals—including the most recently reported deaths of Pauline Potter and Gina Marie Krasley—highlight the profound physical and emotional battles they faced, often succumbing to complications directly related to their weight or the arduous process of bariatric recovery.
Recent Tragedies: Biographical Profiles of the Most Recent 'My 600-lb Life' Deaths
The series has aired for over a decade, and sadly, the list of cast members who have died continues to expand. The most recent losses underscore the persistent dangers of severe obesity, even after appearing on the show. Here are the biographical details for some of the most recently reported and notable passings.
Pauline Potter
- Season: 3 (2015)
- Age at Death: 62
- Date of Death: November 27, 2025
- Initial Weight: 643 lbs
- Cause of Death: Complications following a car crash
- Biography: Pauline Potter became one of the show's most memorable participants due to her initial resistance to Dr. Nowzaradan's program, though she eventually achieved significant weight loss. Her death was recently reported, with her son confirming she passed away in hospice care due to mounting health complications stemming from a severe car accident months prior. Her story is a poignant example of how external factors can tragically interrupt a hard-fought health journey.
Latonya Pottain
- Season: 11 (2023)
- Age at Death: 40
- Date of Death: May 17, 2023 (Reported in 2023/2024)
- Initial Weight: 600+ lbs
- Cause of Death: Acute on chronic congestive heart failure
- Biography: Latonya Pottain’s episode aired in early 2023, where she faced the immense challenge of her weight while grieving the recent death of her brother. Her passing at the young age of 40 was ruled as a death by natural causes, specifically acute on chronic congestive heart failure, a condition frequently exacerbated by morbid obesity. Her story highlights the extreme cardiovascular strain placed on the body at these weights.
Gina Marie Krasley
- Season: 8 (2020)
- Age at Death: 30
- Date of Death: August 1, 2021 (Re-reported in 2024)
- Initial Weight: 600+ lbs
- Cause of Death: Unspecified, but passed away at home surrounded by family
- Biography: Gina Marie Krasley was a fan favorite who passed away at the devastatingly young age of 30. While her official cause of death was not disclosed publicly, her struggles with morbid obesity and food addiction were central to her journey. Her passing was reported again in 2024, bringing her story back into the public eye and underscoring the long-term dangers faced by the show's participants.
The Tragic Roster: A Complete List of All 'My 600-lb Life' Cast Members Who Have Passed Away
The total number of cast members who have tragically passed away since the show began is estimated to be over 17, with many succumbing to weight-related complications, including heart failure, organ failure, and complications from surgery. This list serves as a memorial to all those who bravely shared their struggle with the world.
- Henry Foots (Season 1): The first cast member to pass away in 2013 at age 54, a year after his episode aired. His death was attributed to weight-related complications.
- Robert Buchel (Season 6): Died at age 41 in 2017 from a heart attack while filming the show. He was the first cast member to die during production, highlighting the immediate life-or-death stakes of the journey.
- James "LB" Bonner (Season 6): Passed away in 2018 at age 30. Bonner had successfully lost over 300 pounds but tragically died by suicide, underscoring the immense mental health battles that accompany the physical transformation.
- Lisa Fleming (Season 6): Died in 2018 at age 50. Her daughter confirmed her passing, stating she died peacefully after battling weight-related health issues.
- James King (Season 5): Passed away in 2020 at age 49 due to liver failure, which was a direct complication of his morbid obesity.
- Coliesa McMillian (Season 8): Died in 2020 at age 41. She had suffered complications from a bariatric surgery procedure before her death.
- Kelly Mason (Season 7): Died in 2019 at age 41 due to heart failure. She was lauded for her positive attitude and successful weight loss journey before her tragic passing.
- Sean Milliken (Season 4): Died in 2019 at age 29 from complications related to a severe infection. His initial weight was over 900 pounds, making his struggle one of the most extreme ever featured.
- Destinee LaShaee (Season 7): The first openly transgender cast member on the show, Destinee passed away in February 2022 at age 30.
- Larry Myers Jr. (Season 10): Known as "Mr. Buttermilk," Larry passed away in June 2023 at age 49 due to a heart attack.
- Renee Milliken (Mother of Sean Milliken): Passed away shortly after her son, Sean, from complications related to her own health issues.
- Dottie Perkins (Season 4): Passed away in 2020 at age 49 from complications of a stroke.
- Ashley Randall (Season 8): Died in 2021 at age 40.
- Laura Perez (Season 3): Passed away in 2021 at age 48.
- Gina Marie Krasley (Season 8): Died in 2021 at age 30.
- Latonya Pottain (Season 11): Died in 2023 at age 40.
- Pauline Potter (Season 3): Died in 2025 at age 62.
The Broader Conversation: Lawsuits, Controversy, and the Risks of Bariatric Surgery
The high number of deaths among former cast members has inevitably led to public scrutiny and a broader conversation about the ethics and safety of the show's production and the intense medical interventions involved. The topical authority surrounding this issue extends beyond the individual tragedies to the very nature of the weight loss journey, the role of Dr. Nowzaradan, and the psychological toll of food addiction.
The Dr. Nowzaradan Lawsuit Controversy
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, affectionately known as "Dr. Now," is the show's central figure, a bariatric surgeon who offers a path to life-saving weight loss. However, he and the show's producers have faced multiple lawsuits over the years. These legal challenges often involve allegations of medical malpractice, negligence, and wrongful death.
One notable case involved a patient's mother suing the doctor over a death that occurred in 2005, predating the show, alleging that Dr. Nowzaradan and the hospital failed to provide adequate care. While Dr. Now is widely respected for his willingness to take on the most challenging cases, the lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the inherent, high-risk nature of the procedures and the extreme fragility of the patients' health. These legal battles often center on the complex medical ethics of treating morbidly obese individuals, where even successful bariatric surgery carries significant risks.
The Psychological and Physical Toll
The deaths on the show are a tragic illustration of the complex health landscape of morbid obesity. Many of the cast members who passed away were relatively young, highlighting the life-threatening nature of their condition. Causes of death frequently include congestive heart failure, complications from infection, and organ failure—all direct consequences of carrying extreme weight.
Furthermore, the journey is not just a physical one. The suicide of James "LB" Bonner brought the crucial issue of mental health to the forefront. The psychological struggles—including depression, anxiety, and the underlying trauma that often fuels food addiction—are just as critical as the physical ailments. The show, and the public conversation surrounding it, increasingly emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health support alongside rigorous dietary and surgical programs. The emotional weight of the transformation, coupled with public scrutiny, can be overwhelming, proving that the battle for a new life is fought on multiple fronts.
The legacy of the cast members who have died is a powerful, painful lesson in the severity of food addiction and the incredible courage it takes to fight for a second chance at life. Their stories, though tragic, continue to inform and inspire greater awareness about the complexities of extreme weight loss and the vital need for holistic care.
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