‘Bling Empire’ star Lynn Ban dies at 51 after brain surgery
Renowned jewelry designer Lynn Ban, who also starred in Netflix’s Bling Empire: New York, has passed away after undergoing brain surgery weeks ago due to a ski accident. She was 51.
Her death was announced by her son, Sebastian, on her Instagram page late Wednesday, Jan. 22.
“My [mom] passed away on Monday. I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her,” Sebastian captioned the post, sharing photos of them together over the years.
Sebastian described Lynn as his “best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all.”
“She took care of me, my dad, and our entire family throughout her whole life,” he continued.
“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. As a final message to my [mom], I would just like to say that I will miss you forever and end in something she always told me: ‘I love you more than life itself,’ [mom],” he concluded his post.
Lynn's followers and showbiz friends expressed their grief in the comments section of the post.
"2025 is rocking me at this point! This is too much! Lynnm you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always! Can’t believe I’m writing this in a comment section [right now]! Thank you for all the joy you brought to us!" Rihanna wrote.
“Oh honey, I’m so very sorry for this immense loss,” TV personality Michelle Visage commented.
Dorothy Wang, Lynn’s co-star in Bling Empire, shared with Sebastian how his mom would “[light] up every time she spoke of you.”
“[I] won't forget so many wonderful things about your mother. [S]he was a true badass yet the kindest ray of light at the same time. [Y]es she loved her fashion and her looks, but what truly mattered most to her was always you and your father, her tribe,” she wrote. “[W]e are all heartbroken.”
In late December, Lynn talked about the ski accident that happened during her family vacation in Aspen, Colorado. She said she initially was cleared for concussion, but a CT scan showed she had a brain bleed and that she needed to be airlifted to a trauma hospital.
“Last thing I remember was being intubated and waking up after an emergency craniotomy with Jett (her husband) by my side,” she wrote. “There’s a long road of recovery ahead but I’m a survivor and grateful to ski patrol, the incredible team of doctors and nurses, and the [love] and support my family and friends.”
Lynn was in the fashion industry for over 25 years. Her works were featured in renowned fashion magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, V Magazine, and W Magazine. Her collections have been worn by A-list stars like Rihanna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish.
