What We Know About My 600-Lb Life Star James 'LB' Bonner's Death
TLC's "My 600-Lb Life" follows morbidly obese people as they embark on incredible weight-loss journeys in an attempt to turn their lives around. Sadly, not every story featured on the reality hit has a happy ending, including that of past contestant James 'LB' Bonner who died following his appearance on the show (via The Sun).
When "My 600-Lb Life" viewers first met Bonner, he weighed in at 642 pounds and opened up about how depression brought on by losing his leg in a car accident is where his weight issues began. Throughout his time on the show, James responded well to Dr. Now's plan and managed to lose a massive 316 pounds, which was roughly half his body weight at the time. Bonner also managed to keep the weight off when cameras stopped rolling and is thought to have dropped to around 200 pounds.
As The Daily Mail reported, James 'LB' Bonner died by suicide on August 2, 2018.
The family of James 'LB' Bonner filed a lawsuit against the show
Per The Sun, Bonner shared a cryptic Facebook update in the days leading up to his death, in which he thanked people for their "love and support" throughout his journey. "I've realized a few things over the last few days and it's time that, I face my demons head on, " he wrote.
Following the news of his tragic death, TLC released a statement paying tribute to James. "TLC was deeply saddened to hear of LB's passing and is honored to have shared his honest and courageous story on "My 600-lb Life"" the network commented (via Deadline).
According to The Daily Mail, Bonner's longtime girlfriend, Destiny Honneycutt, also shared a heartfelt message on social media in the wake of James' passing. "I just need you back!!! Yesterday we lost one of the greatest mans, my best friend, the best boyfriend, and the love of my life." She continued, "And I have to say I'm pretty jealous of jesus right now! It was just was too soon and we needed more time together."
In early 2020, it emerged that the family of the former "My 600-Lb Life" contestant had filed a lawsuit against the show's production company. According to Starcasm, the lawsuit alleges "gross negligence" and claims the Megalomedia production company pressured James into filming, didn't follow through on certain promises, and failed to provide adequate mental health care.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).