Big Brother Rachel Reilly shared a touching tribute in honor of his late co-star Mickey Lee.
Publishing via X On Thursday January 1, Rachel, 41, opened up about the impact Mickey had on her life before his tragic death.
“I don’t think I’ve given myself a chance to cry yet and looking back in 2025 and seeing Mickey’s posts really makes me think about how he had such a huge impact on so many lives!” Reilly wrote. “I have been watching her stories and she was such an amazing woman – she has touched so many lives and her fabric is woven through so many stories – she had an impact on my journey and I will always love her for that and I will never forget her.”
He continued: “I remember telling the HOH one day that he is a part of my heart now and always will be and I wanted to say that 😍🥲 it’s so hard to lose a friend and especially such a bright light 💕 2025 wouldn’t have been as impactful without the trip I took with big brother and Mickey 💕.”
Big Brother 27 student Mickey Lee is in ICU after suffering flu-related cardiac arrest. “Mickey recently suffered a series of cardiac arrests following complications from the flu and is now in the ICU in critical but stable condition,” read an announcement on Mickey’s Instagram page on Monday, December 22. “She has been surrounded (…).
Mickey died in the early evening of December 25, 2025 after being hospitalized due to multiple cardiac arrests while battling complications from the flu. She was 35 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that Mickey Lee’s family announces his passing on Christmas Day in the early evening,” his family wrote in a statement posted on social media on Friday, December 26.
“Mickey captured the hearts of audiences across the country through his appearance in big brotherwhere her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and cast mates,” the statement continued. “She will be remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of so many and the genuine connections she formed both on and off the screen.”
Rachel Reilly.
(Photo by Sara Mally/CBS via Getty Images)Rachel, who was Mickey’s housemate Big Brother In Season 27, he was one of the previous players on the show to publicly react after the news was announced.
“We are in shock and very saddened by the news of my big brother co-star and family member – my heart is broken,” Rachel wrote via X on Dec. 26. “My heart goes out to his family and lifelong friends. big brother it doesn’t just give you cast mates, it gives you family. I am eternally grateful to have been able to share that house and experience with Mickey 💕.”
Rachel continued, “We went into the big brother house as strangers and left bonded for life. I wish I could still thank him for the memories, the laughs and the moments that only we will ever understand. I will always carry a little bit of Mickey with me. Rest in peace my friend. 🤍.”
The Season 13 winner also shared a video of her, Mickey and Ashley Hollis from within the big brother house
On the same day, Big Brother host Jyou Chen Moonves She also took to social media to share her condolences following Mickey’s death.
“Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101/’ That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive,” Julie wrote via Instagram. “God brought her home last night 🕊️ Rest in peace dear Mickey. I’ll see you again on the other side in eternity.”
During his season, Mickey played for 59 days in the big brother house She was the last guest to be evicted before the jury phase began.