Big Brother host Julie Chen reacts to former contestant Cassandra Waldon’s tragic death. Waldon, who competed on the premiere season of Big Brother US, was the very first "house guest" to ever step into the house.
Waldon passed away on September 25th from injuries related to a car accident in Rome. The Big Brother alum had been working at the United Nations as its Director of Communications for the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Waldon was living and working in Rome, Italy during the time of the car accident. A source at the UN, where Waldon worked, revealed that the former Big Brother houseguest was struck by a car about two months ago. The accident had seriously injured Waldon and she suffered a head injury. According to the source, Waldon's brain trauma was so severe, she never regained consciousness before her death at 56-years-old. Waldon's funeral will be held next weekend in her home state of Maryland.
Waldon was not only apart of the premiere US cast for the hit CBS show, but she was also the very first contestant to ever step foot into a Big Brother house on US soil. Even though Waldon didn't win the season, she did make it to day 72 before being banished from the house in 6th place. Big Brother fans have been mourning the loss of one of the first-ever contestants, as well as the Big Brother host herself, Julie Chen. Julie went to Instagram to pay tribute to the former house guest. The host posted a picture of Waldon's obituary along with a touching caption. See the full post below.
Chen wrote, "Rest In Peace Cassandra. Your light will continue to shine in this world because of the way you lived your life: with class and grace." The longtime Big Brother host continued, "May your family and loved ones find solace and peace." Chen wrote about how her Waldon's presence affected season 1 of Big Brother, writing, "Thank you for bringing your intelligence, warmth and wisdom to the Big Brother house Season 1." Chen concluded the touching post with, "You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. May God Bless your soul."
The tragic accident that took the life of this influential former reality TV star has sent a wave of sadness through the Big Brother community. Waldon was not only apart of the premiere cast, but was also the very first African-American women contestants on Big Brother US. She will be missed. RIP Cassandra Waldon.
Source: Julie Chen