Latonya Pottain, Star of TLC’s My 600-lb Life, Passes Away at 40

Latonya Pottain, a Louisiana native who appeared on Season 11 of the reality series My 600-lb Life, has died at the age of 40. She is now the 12th cast member from the show to pass away. According to the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office, Latonya died on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center in Shreveport. Preliminary autopsy results point to congestive heart failure as the cause of death, though a final report is still pending.

Family members told TMZ they had visited her earlier that morning at her home and noticed she was having trouble breathing and seemed visibly ill. Latonya mentioned she was feeling extremely uncomfortable. Not long after, a nurse contacted the family and said she had gone into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital—where she tragically passed away shortly after arrival.

Latonya joined My 600-lb Life in hopes of transforming her life with the help of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, known to fans as “Dr. Now.” While she expressed a strong desire to lose weight, Latonya struggled to stay on track with the program. Dr. Now eventually made the difficult decision to end treatment due to her lack of progress. The only documented weight loss came during a hospital stay related to heart complications.

The TLC series, which began airing in 2012, follows individuals dealing with life-threatening obesity as they attempt to reclaim their health through lifestyle changes and surgery. The show has become known for its raw and often heartbreaking look at both the physical and emotional toll of obesity.

Sadly, Latonya’s death adds to a growing list of former cast members who have passed away. Others include Henry Foots, Robert Buchel, James “LB” Bonner, Lisa Fleming, Kelly Mason, Sean Milliken, James King, Coliesa McMillian, Gina Krasley, Destinee LaShaee, and Larry Myers Jr. Many of these deaths highlight not only the serious medical risks tied to extreme obesity but also the mental health struggles that often go hand-in-hand.

Latonya’s story, like many others from the show, reminds us of the challenges that come with long-term health battles. Her journey sheds light on the importance of ongoing, compassionate care—both physical and emotional—for those dealing with obesity.

She shared her story with millions, and her passing is a somber reminder of how critical comprehensive support is on the road to recovery.