‘The Biggest Loser’ Tragedies: The Most Shocking Deaths Through the Years

The Biggest Loser franchise has mourned the deaths of some of the show’s contestants over the years.

NBC debuted the reality series in 2004, which followed a group of people deemed overweight who would compete in a 30-week competition. The goal was to lose as many pounds as possible to be crowned “the biggest loser.”

The Biggest Loser became a cultural phenomenon and ran for 18 seasons. Despite being a ratings success, The Biggest Loser received criticism for allegedly pushing contestants to lose weight through intense exercise and calorie-restricted diets.

While producers — and trainers — who worked on the show denied the accusations, many contestants revealed that they struggled to maintain their weight loss long-term after appearing on The Biggest Loser. In fact, some have opened up about weighing more after being on the show than before.

Keep scrolling for the most heartbreaking The Biggest Loser tragedies over the years:

Adam Capers

After competing in season 7, Capers died in Japan at the age of 48 in 2017.

Estella Hayes

Season 7 alum Hayes passed away in 2023 at age 78.

Damien Gurganious

Gurganious, who appeared in season 7, was later diagnosed with rare autoimmune disorder idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. He died in 2014 at age 38 after suffering bleeding in his brain.

Daniel ‘Dan’ Wright

Wright was another season 7 contestant on The Biggest Loser. He died in 2019, nearly two years after being diagnosed with leukemia.

Blaine Cotter