17 Tragic Deaths And Shocking Lawsuits: The Full List Of 'My 600-lb Life' Stars Who Died

The reality television series 'My 600-lb Life' follows the deeply personal and often harrowing journeys of individuals seeking life-saving weight loss surgery under the guidance of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. While the show has documented incredible success stories, it is also shadowed by a tragic and growing list of cast members who have passed away since their episodes aired. As of late 2024, the total number of confirmed deaths has tragically climbed, with the most recent losses highlighting the severe health risks and emotional toll of morbid obesity.

This article provides an updated, comprehensive list of the 'My 600-lb Life' stars who have died, detailing their age, season, and the confirmed cause of death. We also explore the serious controversies and wrongful death lawsuits that have rocked the show and its production company, Megalomedia, bringing the ethical challenges of reality TV into sharp focus.

The Tragic Roster: 'My 600-lb Life' Cast Members Who Have Died

The total number of deaths among the show’s participants is reported to be between 12 and 17, making the series' death rate a significant point of controversy. The following list details some of the most prominent and recently deceased individuals, including their biographical profile details.

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• Latonya Pottain (Season 11, 2023)
  Age at Death: 40
  Cause of Death: Acute on chronic congestive heart failure.
  Latonya's passing is one of the most recent and tragic losses, underscoring the immediate danger of her weight. She passed away on a Saturday in 2024 after struggling with her weight loss journey on the show.
• James King (Season 5, 2017)
  Age at Death: 49
  Cause of Death: Sepsis, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney failure.
  James King was one of the heaviest patients ever featured, reaching a peak weight of over 847 pounds. He died in 2020 after a long battle with various weight-related illnesses, including multiple organ failures.
• Sean Milliken (Season 4, 2016)
  Age at Death: 29
  Cause of Death: Complications from an infection.
  Sean was a fan favorite who struggled immensely with his mental health and weight, reaching a peak of 919 pounds. He died in 2019 after being hospitalized due to breathing problems.
• James "LB" Bonner (Season 6, 2018)
  Age at Death: 30
  Cause of Death: Suicide (self-inflicted gunshot wound).
  LB Bonner was celebrated for his weight loss success, dropping from 642 pounds to 316 pounds. His death in 2018 was ruled a suicide, sparking widespread discussion about the mental health support provided to cast members.
• Coliesa McMillian (Season 8, 2020)
  Age at Death: 41
  Cause of Death: Complications from weight loss surgery.
  Coliesa sadly passed away in 2020 due to complications following a surgical procedure. She had referred to her heart as a "time bomb" on her episode, highlighting the severity of her condition.
• Robert Buchel (Season 6, 2018)
  Age at Death: 41
  Cause of Death: Heart attack.
  Robert was one of the few cast members to die while filming the show. He was on his way to recovery, having lost 340 pounds, but tragically suffered a fatal heart attack in 2017.
• Gina Krasley (Season 8, 2020)
  Age at Death: 30
  Cause of Death: Unknown (death was announced to be from natural causes at home).
  Gina passed away in 2021. She had been open about her struggles with mobility and pain on the show.
• Destinee LaShaee (Season 7, 2019)
  Age at Death: 30
  Cause of Death: Unknown (passed away in 2022).
  Destinee was the show's first transgender patient. Her death was confirmed by her brother, sparking an outpouring of grief from the fan community.

The Controversy: Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Allegations of Negligence

The high number of deaths has fueled significant public debate and led to a series of high-profile lawsuits against the show's production company, Megalomedia, and even against Dr. Nowzaradan himself. These legal battles have shed a disturbing light on the reality television production process.

The Megalomedia Lawsuits

Several former cast members and the families of those who died have filed lawsuits against Megalomedia, the company responsible for producing 'My 600-lb Life.' The core allegations in these lawsuits include:

• Wrongful Death: The family of James "LB" Bonner filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that the production company's negligence contributed to his suicide.
• Fraud and Negligence: Plaintiffs claim that Megalomedia failed to provide the promised psychological care, medical coverage, and aftercare support necessary for individuals undergoing such a drastic, life-altering process.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Some cast members allege that producers manipulated their situations, encouraged them to eat on camera, and filmed them in vulnerable, distressing states to maximize dramatic effect.

The lawsuits suggest a pattern of prioritizing ratings and dramatic storytelling over the genuine well-being and long-term health of the patients. The legal proceedings have highlighted the thin line between documenting a medical journey and exploiting vulnerable individuals for entertainment.

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Lawsuit Against Dr. Nowzaradan

Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, affectionately known as "Dr. Now," has also faced scrutiny, including a malpractice lawsuit. While Dr. Now is widely respected for his dedication and tough-love approach to bariatric surgery, the legal challenges raise questions about the intensive medical care provided both during and after the filming process.

It is important to note that many of the patients who seek help on the show are already at a critical stage, with multiple co-morbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes, lymphedema, and acute heart failure. For many, the risk of death is extremely high regardless of intervention. However, the lawsuits argue that the show's intense environment exacerbated their underlying conditions and vulnerabilities.

The Deeper Conversation: Mental Health and Morbid Obesity

The tragic deaths of stars like LB Bonner and Sean Milliken have forced a necessary conversation about the critical role of mental health in the battle against morbid obesity. Weight loss is not just a physical journey; it is a profound psychological and emotional one.

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The show often documents patients using food as a coping mechanism for deep-seated trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, and emotional distress. When food is removed as a comfort, the underlying mental health issues often surface with devastating consequences.

The reality is that while bariatric surgery and Dr. Now's program offer a chance at a new life, the immense psychological burden of changing decades of behavior, coupled with the pressure of being on a reality show, can be overwhelming. The passing of these cast members serves as a stark reminder that comprehensive psychological support must be an inseparable part of any extreme weight loss treatment plan.

The legacy of those who died, from Henry Foots (Season 1) to the most recent loss of Latonya Pottain, is a complex one. They bravely shared their struggles, hoping to inspire others. Their stories, though ending in tragedy, continue to shed light on the deadly reality of extreme obesity and the ethical responsibilities of those who document it.