Netflix star Lynn Ban has tragically died aged 51.
The Singaporean celebrity jewelry designer became a reality TV star after starring in Bling Empire: New York, which follows ‘Asian American socialites who flaunt their fortunes – and fashions – while bringing the drama and living it up in New York City.’
Ban made a name for herself with her intricate jewelry, as A-listers such as Madonna, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga wore her designs.
Following the devastating announcement of her passing, tributes have poured in on social media.
One fan says: “That’s incredibly sad and shocking to hear about her passing.”
Another writes: “How super sad and tragic. So unfortunate. I’m so sorry. She was too young.”
“Such a tragic loss. Lynn Ban was not only a talented designer but also a major influence in the fashion world,” a third user pens. “My thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
A fourth person comments: “She was known for her bold, glamorous style and her larger-than-life presence, so her loss will be deeply felt by both her fans and those close to her.”
Bling Empire: New York is a spinoff show from the original Bling Empire, which focused on Asian American socialites in Los Angeles – it’s been described as a real-life Crazy Rich Asians.
The socialite’s death was confirmed by her son, Sebastian, in an emotional Instagram post on January 22.
He wrote: “Many of you followed my mum but never got the chance to know her or meet her in person. I would like to take the chance to share who my mum really was. She was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all.
“She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process. She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know. She was the funniest and coolest mum I could ever ask for.
“She took care of me, my dad, and our entire family throughout her whole life. Although she may be gone now, I will do everything I can to make sure she is never forgotten and for her life to be celebrated as it deserves to be.”
Ban underwent brain surgery following a ski accident in Aspen on Christmas Eve.
In a social media post on New Year’s Eve, the 51-year-old revealed she ‘face planted’ the ground while skiing at the top of a mountain. She was wearing a helmet at the time.
Ban added: “It didn’t seem that bad at the time and I was able to ski to the bottom.”
A ski patrol officer checked the star for a concussion and cleared her, however, she still had a slight headache. At the hospital, a check found she had a brain bleed and she was sent in for an emergency craniotomy.
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a section of the skull to access the brain, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Ban wrote in the caption: “In a blink of an eye… life can change,” then adding it would be a long road to recovery but she was a fighter.
The Netflix star’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Ban is survived by her son Sebastian and husband Jett Kain.
