It’s heartbreaking to share that Latonya Pottain, a reality TV star from My 600lb Life, passed away at just 40 years old.
Latonya first captured the hearts of viewers in season 11 of the show when she weighed over 600 pounds and was mostly confined to her bed.
Her story was one of struggle, hope, and heartbreaking challenges, and her recent passing has left many feeling a deep sense of loss.
The Final Days and Cause of Death
Latonya died on Saturday, May 17, at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana.
According to the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office, a preliminary autopsy revealed she died from congestive heart failure.
Her brother shared that family members had visited her that same morning and immediately noticed she was having serious trouble breathing.
Latonya told them she felt “extremely uncomfortable” and didn’t look well at all.
Later, a nurse called her brother to let him know that Latonya had called an ambulance because she was going into cardiac arrest, which tragically led to her death.
Her Journey on My 600lb Life
Latonya’s story first came into the public eye in 2023, during her appearance on My 600lb Life.
At that point, she was 632 pounds and mostly bedbound.
On the show, she openly talked about how food was her way of coping with stress.
“That’s what I do to help me cope with things,” she said during a particularly emotional moment.
She also admitted she knew her eating habits weren’t healthy but found it incredibly difficult to change.
Years earlier, she had worked with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, the show’s well-known doctor, when she weighed 482 pounds. However, she left the weight loss program at that time.
When she returned for the show, her determination was clear, but the strict diet was tough, and she was caught eating fried food on camera.
Unfortunately, this led to weight gain during one weigh-in.
Struggles With Health and Hospitalization
Latonya’s health became a serious concern when she was hospitalized after falling ill. Dr. Nowzaradan expressed worry about her heart during her hospital stay.
While on a controlled diet in the hospital, she managed to lose some weight, dropping to 594 pounds, but she openly clashed with the doctor over the hospital food, which she didn’t like.
When Dr. Now said, “You’re not gonna fade away.
You’re gonna be fine,” Latonya replied, “I still have to eat something.”
The doctor then told her that her heart and lungs were under immense pressure because of her weight.
Personal Challenges and Appeals for Help
Last year, Latonya took to Facebook to ask for prayers as her heart problems worsened.
She wrote, “Y’all pray for me my heart not working right and there is nothing more the doctors can do here in Louisiana please keep me lifted.”
Earlier this year, she launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking urgent medical care, revealing her weight had surpassed 700 pounds and that she had been bedridden since June 2024 due to severe health issues.
She shared her struggles openly, describing how after the show aired, she faced overwhelming backlash that led to depression and a fear of weight loss surgery.
She moved to Houston hoping for a fresh start but found herself trapped in an abusive relationship while also coping with her father’s cancer diagnosis.
Eventually, the emotional and physical toll drove her back to Louisiana, where her health continued to decline.
A Difficult Road Ahead and a Call for Support
Latonya also described suffering from severe sciatica nerve pain and stomach cramps, which led to her being prescribed fentanyl—only to have her body reject the medication, forcing her to begin therapy.
She revealed that EMTs considered transporting her a fire hazard due to her weight, leaving her unable to get to the hospital.
With no income or ability to work, Latonya pleaded for help in raising funds for medical transportation, treatment, rehabilitation, and basic living expenses.
She wrote, “This has been an incredibly difficult journey, and I truly want to fight for my health and my life.
Any amount you can contribute will bring me one step closer to the care I desperately need.”
Sadly, the GoFundMe appeal only raised a little over $1,000 of the $20,000 goal.
Honoring Latonya’s Memory
Latonya Pottain’s story is a reminder of the complex challenges faced by people struggling with extreme obesity, health crises, and the weight of public scrutiny.
Her courage to share her journey on national television touched many, and her recent passing is a sad moment for fans and supporters alike.