In Brief:
- Amber Siyavus, a former "Big Brother" Season 8 contestant, died at age 46 on Friday, Oct. 9, per Nevada coroner records.
- Officials have not confirmed a cause of death. She lost her daughter, Lexi Tomcavage, in 2018.
- Julie Chen Moonves and Dick Donato led tributes from the "Big Brother" community.
Amber Siyavus: Amber Siyavus, a former "Big Brother" contestant, has died at age 46.
Records from the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada show she died on Friday, Oct. 9.
Siyavus competed on Season 8 of the U.S. edition of the reality series. Officials have not confirmed a cause of death.
TMZ reports that her final years were difficult.
Legal troubles
According to the outlet, Siyavus pleaded guilty in 2020 to resisting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
The charge stemmed from an incident in which she allegedly tried to drive away while an officer was partially inside her vehicle.
She also pleaded guilty to felony forgery in September 2020. The case involved Western Union money orders.
She received suspended prison sentences for both offenses, plus probation. By 2023, she was no longer under court supervision.
A heartbreaking loss in 2018
Siyavus lost her daughter, Lexi Tomcavage, in 2018. Lexi was just 18. Her death was an apparent suicide. Her best friend had also died by suicide.
Two days before she died, Lexi shared content from suicide prevention expert Jeff Yalden.
He had spoken about her hometown of Perry, Ohio. Five teenagers there died by suicide within six months in 2018.
Tributes pour in
"Big Brother" host Julie Chen Moonves paid tribute to Siyavus. "Rest in peace, Amber."
She added that she was grateful for Siyavus' heart and honesty. "We will remember you with love."
Dick Donato, a former "Big Brother" winner, also shared his sadness. He said he once reached out to Siyavus with encouraging words about staying clean.
He had not spoken with her since shortly after the show. "RIP Amber, your battle is over."
Fans echoed those feelings. One viewer noted that the show has now lost another former houseguest this year.
That fan said the show also lost Mickey Lee last year. Another fan called the news devastating.
That fan found some comfort in the thought that she is now with her daughter.
Note: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text TALK to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Help is available 24/7.
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