‘My 600-lb Life’: What Was L.B. Bonner’s Cause of Death?
My 600-lb Life is a fan favorite, usually demonstrating the inspirational possibilities of attaining a healthy weight. But not all of the reality show’s participants see success or a happy ending on their weight-loss journeys. Sadly, one of the most memorable participants on My 600-lb Life, L.B. Bonner, tragically died. But his cause of death is not what you might think.
What is ‘My 600-lb Life’ about?
My 600-lb Life has been on the air for a decade, with 10 seasons and 163 episodes in the archives, IMDb reports. The TLC show features real-life stories of people weighing 600 pounds or more who embark on journeys to reach healthier weights. They work with the renowned surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, aka Dr. Now, to achieve health goals before undergoing customized gastric bypass surgeries.
Dr. Now specializes in and is known as one of the country’s leading providers of treatment for people considered morbidly obese. He earned his official medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine and is regarded as a pioneer in laparoscopic procedures for bariatric surgeries. Dr. Now is famous for his role in My 600-lb Life, My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now?, and Bodyshock.
L.B. Bonner’s appearance on the TLC show
James “L.B.” Bonner first appeared on My 600-lb Life during season 6. Fans immediately adored him for his optimism and success in attaining a healthier weight. By the end of the show, Bonner had successfully shed more than 300 pounds, over half of his body weight. Despite his enthusiasm on social media following the show’s airing, he dealt with depression.
Sadly, L.B. Bonner took his own life in August 2018. Us Weekly reported Bonner’s official cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the South Carolina Lexington County Coroner’s Office. He was only 30 years old.
Bonner had been vocal about his mental health on social media, where he talked about needing to “face my demons head-on.”
Now, his family seeks to hold My 600-lb Life’s production company, Megalomedia, accountable for Bonner’s death. The family’s lawsuit alleges “gross negligence,” outlining the company did not fulfill promises to Bonner or provide adequate mental health care following his appearance on the show, Starcasm reported in 2020.
Other ‘My 600-lb Life’ stars who have died
Sadly, L.B. Bonner isn’t the only participant on My 600-lb Life to die. Others also battled weight-related health problems and mental health challenges that contributed to their deaths.
Destinee LaShaee was the first trans participant on My 600-lb Life and, at first, saw weight-loss success. During their season 7 appearance, LaShaee dropped more than 500 pounds. Unfortunately, LaShaee died shortly after that. Although the official cause of death has not been released, many believe it to be suicide, Distractify reports.
Another participant, Gina Krasley of season 8, died, but her cause of death is also undisclosed. Krasley struggled to meet Dr. Now’s weight-loss requirements before surgery but ultimately dropped 300 pounds by 2021. She shared her deteriorating health condition on YouTube, where she admitted to experiencing mobility issues, possible infections, and an eating disorder from her hospital bed. She died in August 2021 at age 30.
Coliesa McMillan died in September 2020 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 41. Her death was due to natural causes relating to her weight-loss surgery, TMZ reported.
James King also died in 2020 at age 49. He had first appeared in season 5 but made follow-up appearances after gaining his weight back. His cause of death hasn’t been released.
Though My 600-lb Life continues to inspire countless Americans who want to attain a healthier weight, it’s also a cautionary tale to consider one’s mental health and the risks with any life-changing treatments. L.B. Bonner’s family knows that firsthand.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Eating Disorders Association helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
