What was Caleb Willingham's 'secret stash'? TLC uncovers reason behind '1000-lb Sisters' star's death
STURGIS, KENTUCKY: '1000-lb Sisters' Season 5 is addressing Caleb Willingham's struggle with weight gain.
In the recent episode, Tammy Slaton discovered Caleb's "secret stash" which is ultimately the reason for his spiraling back to gaining weight.
Tammy was seen holding a basket filled with packaged food. She asked Caleb, "What is that?" He replied, "Candies, snacks, cookies..."
Accepting that he has not been following the weight loss diet, Caleb said, "I can't really spin it and make it look good."
Tammy then called out Caleb in their interview, saying, "First, you gotta remember I'm fat, so I'm like a bloodhound. I can smell the snacks."
She then claimed that she's also a woman and nothing goes unnoticed by a woman. Indeed, hinting that Caleb couldn't have hidden his eating disorder for too long.
As Caleb's "secret stash" was revealed, fans started claiming it to be the reason for his death.
One commented, "That’s why he died cause of his food addiction."
Another wrote, "And those snacks cost him his life. Sad."
"Caleb has no excuses.. yes he misses Tammy but like Tammy said all he had to do was call her but he chose not too so he was free to eat junk food!" commented a fan knowing the real reason for Caleb's death.
One wished, "Sad he died ...wish he would have tried harder to lose weight."
Another sad fan commented, "It cost him his life."
Caleb Willingham claims Tammy Slaton triggered his food addiction
Caleb accepts in the recently released episode that after Tammy was released from rehab, he missed her a little too much and started self-sabotaging himself.
Tammy gave some comfort to Caleb by saying, "But you know I'm only a text message or phone call away."
Caleb accepts, "I know baby, but how much stuff are you going through," referring to her sister Amy Slaton's ongoing divorce.
Caleb broke down into tears, saying, "I don't wanna be the reason for stress and burdens."
He added, "I wanna be the reason that things help get fixed."
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How did '1000-lb Sisters' star Caleb Willingham die?
Caleb was found unresponsive at his rehab facility in July 2023. The exact reason for his death was not revealed.
However, it is speculated that the complications of his excessive weight gain were behind his death.
Tammy paid tribute to her former husband on social media by uploading photos with him, cherishing the moments they spent together.
She wrote, "Rip sweet angel you will forever be missed and loved so much thank you Caleb for showing me real love and happiness."
'1000-lb Sisters' Season 5 new episodes air every Tuesday 9 pm ET on TLC.