In the late summer of 2018, the community of Lexington, South Carolina, was met with the sorrowful news of the passing of James 'L.B.' Bonner, a man whose struggles and triumphs had been shared with a national audience. At the age of 30, the male reality television personality was found deceased on August 2, 2018. His death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a conclusion reached by the coroner's investigation.
There was no indication of foul play in his passing, and authorities were not seeking any suspects in connection with the incident.
Deputies from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department discovered Bonner in a ditch near his home after being dispatched for a welfare check. Prior to his death, Bonner had posted a message on social media, thanking his supporters and alluding to a personal battle he was facing, stating it was time to 'face his demons head-on.' This poignant message offered a glimpse into the internal turmoil that preceded his final actions.
Bonner's life had been marked by significant personal challenges, many of which were documented on the television series 'My 600-lb Life.' A car accident in 2013 had led to the loss of his leg, after which he turned to food and alcohol as coping mechanisms. At his heaviest, he weighed 650 pounds. However, through determination, he underwent lap-band surgery and managed to lose over 400 pounds, a journey that inspired many who followed his story. The network that aired his story mourned his passing, remembering him as a fan-favorite with a courageous spirit.
