How many 'Big Brother' USA contestants have died? Kent Blackwelder had heart attack after his appearance on CBS show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: For over two decades, 'Big Brother', a widely popular competition show, has graced our screens, but amidst its success, a somber truth lingers – many of its stars have left this world behind. Within the walls of the iconic house, hundreds of houseguests once lived, each embarking on their unique journeys after their time on the show.
However, along the way, some of these former players have tragically died, leaving a void in the hearts of those who remember them. As we anticipate another season of 'Big Brother' (USA), let us take a moment to remember and reflect on the ones we have lost over the years, cherishing their memories with a heavy heart.
Kent Blackwelder
Kent Blackwelder, a conservative 62-year-old mortgage broker from Tennessee, participated in Season 2 of 'Big Brother'. Despite his combative nature with other houseguests, he formed an unexpected friendship with Bunky Miller, who was his complete opposite in many ways, being openly gay. Even though Kent was evicted in week five with a unanimous vote, he remained on good terms with Bunky even after their time on the show. Bunky mentioned in a now-deleted social media post that they had managed to look past their differences and developed a bond built on mutual appreciation and respect. Sadly, Blackwelder died on December 24, 2017, at the age of 62, making him the first 'Big Brother' houseguest to die after appearing on the show. Before his death, Kent and Bunky had the chance to reunite and cherish their friendship one last time. Kent died from a heart attack, according to The List.
Cassandra Waldon
Cassandra Waldon was the first contestant to enter the 'Big Brother' house in the debut season of the reality series in 2000. She worked for the United Nations and played the game exceptionally well. During the early weeks of the show, viewers decided who would be nominated for eviction, and she managed to avoid being nominated for several weeks. She even won one of the Mr and Miss Big Brother 2000 awards. However, her time on the show came to an end on Day 72 when she was the sixth housemate to be evicted. After her dismissal, a myth called the "First to Enter Curse" started, claiming that the first person to enter the 'Big Brother' house could never win. But this myth was later disproven when Tamar Braxton won the second season of the US 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2019. In 2019, tragedy struck Cassandra when she was hit by a car in Rome, where she was working as the Director of Communications for the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development. She remained unconscious for two months and died on September 25, 2019, at the age of 56.
