Amber Siyavus, a reality star known for appearing on season eight of the US edition of Big Brother, has died at the age of 46. Her death occurred on Friday, October 9, according to records from the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada. No cause of death has been confirmed yet.
Legal troubles and final years
TMZ reports that Siyavus had a "troubled" few final years. In 2020, she pleaded guilty to attempting to resist a police officer with a dangerous weapon, after allegedly trying to drive away while an officer was partially inside her vehicle. She also pleaded guilty to felony forgery in September 2020 over Western Union money orders. She received suspended prison sentences and probation for both offences, and by 2023 she was no longer under court supervision.
Daughter's tragic death in 2018
In 2018, Siyavus lost her daughter Lexi Tomcavage, aged just 18. Her death was an apparent suicide, following the suicide of Lexi's best friend. Just two days before she died, Lexi had shared a video featuring suicide prevention expert Jeff Yalden speaking about her hometown of Perry, Ohio, where five teenagers took their own lives within six months in 2018.
Tributes from Big Brother family
Tributes have poured in for Siyavus. Big Brother presenter Julie Chen Moonves wrote: "Rest in peace, Amber. Hard to believe, but I know you are back in our eternal home with our creator. Thank you for your heart and honesty. We will remember you with love."
Big Brother US winner Dick Donato said: "This is a shame. I contacted her on FB to give her some encouraging words about staying clean. I hadn't spoken to her since just after the show. RIP Amber, your battle is over. Sigh."
One fan posted: "Amber Siyavus from BB 08 passes away at age 46. Cause still pending. This is very sad to have another BB death this year. Last year we lost Mickey [Lee], and now Amber. Prayer to the family." Another wrote: "Devastating, but at least she's with her daughter now. RIP Amber."
