Former Jeopardy! star Laurin Bell dead at 41

Former “Jeopardy!” contestant Laurin Bell has died at age 41. The Florida resident competed on the show two years ago in 2023. Bell’s cousin, Kristen Joyner, wrote in a Facebook post that the cause of death was an apparent suicide.  “It is with a heavy heart that we have to let everyone know Laurin Bell decided to end her life last night,” she wrote on Monday.“She was a brilliant, funny, and beautiful soul.

Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers as they process this loss,” Joyner added.A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office told The US Sun, “An autopsy has been performed, and toxicology testing is underway,” but did not give further information. Bell appeared on a “Jeopardy!” episode that aired on Valentine’s Day in 2023, hosted by Ken Jennings, who succeeded late host Alex Trebek that year. During that Feb.14 episode, Bell and Blaine Smith were the new contestants who competed against Kendra Westerhaus, who was the returning champion at the time. Joyner’s post is full of comments such as, “So sad! Sorry for your loss.

Praying for everyone that knew her!” and “Praying for comfort and your family.”In the comment section, Joyner clarified that Bell was her cousin. Joyner ended the post with an entreaty for somebody to take care of Bell’s elderly dog. “She had a dog that was taken to the pound, if anyone is willing to take her in please let me know.she is 14 years old and not good with other dogs, but is friendly with everyone and cats,” she wrote.

“She’s a great companion and needs love.” Joyner also posted a screenshot of Bell’s apparent final social media post, in which the former quiz show contestant wrote, “Well everyone, I’m signing off from life.See you on the other side.”If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling.

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