Pauline Potter, 62, the Guinness-recognized “world’s heaviest woman” and star of My 600‑Lb. Life, has died after long health complications tied to a severe car accident, her son Dillon Brooks confirmed in a YouTube statement. Potter passed in late November after months of hospitalization and a final transfer home to spend her last days with family.
Key Takeaways
- Pauline Potter, age 62, confirmed dead in late November after complications from a car accident.
- News confirmed by her son, Dillon Brooks, in a YouTube video; family launched a GoFundMe for cremation expenses.
- Hospitalized in August, later moved to rehab; doctors reported heart and respiratory failure.
- Guinness-recognized in 2011 as the heaviest living woman (643 lbs); appeared on My 600‑Lb. Life.
- Documented major weight loss—149 lbs in one year; by 2022 she reported weighing 223 lbs.
According to USA Today and family statements, Potter’s health declined after a severe car crash nearly a year earlier. She was hospitalized in late August and transferred to a rehabilitation facility as doctors worked to stabilize her for possible surgery. During that stay, medical teams found signs of heart and respiratory failure. When experts determined recovery was unlikely, her family brought her home for comfort care.
Dillon Brooks has set up a GoFundMe to help cover cremation costs; the family says details about a memorial service will be shared when arrangements are final.
The Legacy
Pauline Potter’s life and public journey made a lasting impact beyond headlines. Her top achievements include:
- Guinness World Record recognition (2011) as the heaviest living woman at 643 pounds (about 390 kg).
- Her candid appearance on the reality series My 600‑Lb. Life, which brought national attention to her health struggles and determination.
- Significant documented weight loss—she lost 149 pounds within a year on the show and later reported weighing 223 pounds in 2022, a milestone she called life‑changing.
In a January 2022 Instagram post Potter wrote, “It’s been a while since I’ve posted. But I’m proud to say I’m now down to 223 pounds. It feels amazing not having to rely on others just to do the smallest things anymore.” That message resonated with many viewers who followed her progress and struggles.
Social Proof & Reactions
Reaction to Potter’s passing has been immediate. Family posts and the GoFundMe page have drawn messages of support and condolences from fans who watched her on My 600‑Lb. Life. Longtime viewers and advocates for better obesity care acknowledged her bravery for sharing such a personal, and often painful, journey on national television.
Media outlets citing family statements include USA Today and Znews; additional messages from friends, former castmates and supporters are expected as memorial plans are finalized.
Sources: USA Today, Znews. Image credits as provided.
Image Referance: https://kbizoom.com/worlds-heaviest-woman-death-pauline-potter-my-600lb-life-passes-away/