How Did Amber Siyavus Die? Big Brother Star’s Cause of Death and Final Project Explained

Big Brother star Amber Siyavus passed away on October 9, 2026. She was 46 at the time of her death. The tragic news was first reported by TMZ, which didn’t provide a cause of her death. Amber participated in season 8 of the hit CBS show, which aired in 2007. Although she didn’t win the season, Siyavus earned significant fame following her participation.

Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves shared a tribute to her after the tragic news broke. On Instagram, 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.”

Dick Donato, who won Season 8 of Big Brother, wrote on X, “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.“

Although an official cause of her death hasn’t been revealed yet, Donato seemed to be referencing Siyavus’ long battle against substance abuse.

Who Was Amber Siyavus?

Amber Siyavus on Big Brother Season 8 | Credit: CBS

Amber Siyavus was 27 when she entered the Big Brother house as a cocktail waitress from Las Vegas. She finished the season in seventh place. During her time on the show, she formed close bonds with fellow contestants Jameka Cameron and Dustin Erikstrup. Siyavus had many emotional moments on the show, earning her the nickname “Whamber” from viewers.

Before her death, she had already faced a big tragedy after her daughter Lexi Tomcavage died in 2018. Siyavus has opened up about being a single mother and her personal struggles on many occasions. In a 2007 interview with BuddyTV, she had also addressed her struggles with substance abuse.

Amber Siyavus’ Final Project Before Death

Amber Siyavus on Big Brother | Credit: CBS

There is no verified information on what Siyavus was working on before passing away. Her most notable screen appearance remains her participation in CBS’ Big Brother. When she got evicted from the house, Siyavus reflected on her future ambitions. “I was on TV, I was shown into the world. I feel like there’s something in this for me whether It’s for me to be an inspirational speaker, go to nursing school, something will come up out of this,” she said at that time.

Big Brother premiered on CBS on July 5, 2000, and is still ongoing, with the reality show’s 28th season concluding on October 1, 2026. The show can be streamed on Paramount+ and CBS.