James “L.B.” Bonner, Star of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life,’ Dies at 30

James “L.B.” Bonner, who is known for appearing on the TLC series My 600-lb Life, has died at the age of 30, the network confirmed Friday in a statement posted on its site. 

“TLC was deeply saddened to hear of LB’s passing and is honored to have shared his honest and courageous story on My 600-lb Life,” the network wrote. “On the show, viewers saw LB struggle with obesity following a tragic accident that claimed his right leg. Even though he once weighed 650 pounds, LB’s hard work and dedication helped get him in the 200-pound range.”

A Lexington County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department incident report states that deputies performing a welfare check found Bonner dead from a gunshot wound.

It didn’t appear foul play was involved. The sheriff’s department said it wasn’t looking for any suspects but was awaiting an autopsy to say more about how he died.

Bonner on Thursday night posted a cryptic message on his Facebook, thanking loved ones for their support as he begins to face his “demons head on.”

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support throughout my journey…I’ve realized a few things over the last few days and its time that, I face my demons head on,” he wrote. “No matter what you change or the efforts you put forth in life, sometimes you just have to take it on the chin and deal with things your own way…Again, thank y’all so much… Please don’t ever let people you care about not know how you feel.”

While appearing on the TLC series last season, Bonner attributed his food and alcohol habits to the aftermath of losing his leg from a car accident in 2013. During the course of filming, the 30-year-old chronicled his sobriety as well as a lap-band surgery which led him to ultimately lose 400 pounds. 

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