Jewelry Designer Lynn Ban Passes Away After Brain Surgery

The ‘Bling Empire: New York’ cast member had a tragic ski accident back in December.

On Wednesday, Lynn Ban’s son Sebastian made a post on his mother’s Instagram, letting friends and fans know that the jewelry designer passed away on Monday. She was only 52 years old.

Her tragic death followed after a ski accident back in December in Aspen, where she was spending the winter holidays with her family.

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An unfortunate accident

In late December, Ban also took to Instagram to recount her unfortunate accident which took place on Christmas Eve. “And in a blink of an eye…life can change,” she wrote.

“At the top of the mountain, I caught a tip and face planted. Luckily I always wear a helmet. It didn’t seem that bad at the time and I was able to ski to the bottom,” the designer continued.

The ski patrol assessed and cleared her, saying she didn’t have a concussion. However, a paramedic suggested that she go to the hospital anyway to get a CAT scan. The results showed a brain bleed, which meant Ban had to be airlifted to a trauma hospital immediately.

“Last thing I remember was being intubated and waking up after an emergency craniotomy with Jett by my side,” she said. At the end of her post, she remained positive and grateful, thanking the ski patrol, doctors, nurses, her family, and friends for all the support.

An immense loss

Just a few weeks later, her son Sebastian posted photos of him and his mom throughout the years. “My mum 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,” he wrote in the caption.

“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.”

Born on May 27, 1972, Ban was a Singaporean jewelry designer and an authority on fashion, with her work gracing the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, V Magazine, and W Magazine.

Some of the world’s most influential artists and style icons such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone have worn her collections. Ban also collaborated with Rihanna on jewelry for her tours, appearances, music videos and her Fenty Puma collections.

In 2023, Ban made her reality show debut in Netflix’s Bling Empire: New York, which followed a group of wealthy Asian American socialites living in New York City.

“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,” her son 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 mum, I would just like to say that I will miss you forever and to end in something she always told me ‘I love you more than life itself’ mum.”

Touching tributes

On Instagram, Ban’s Bling Empire co-star Dorothy Wang wrote, “Lynn, I can’t believe this is real and you are no longer with us. In our last conversation we spoke about how precious life is and how grateful you are for a second chance. Life really did change in a blink of an eye… and we are devastated.”

“I wish I could tell you one last time just how much I absolutely love you … I hope you feel how deeply loved, adored, and respected you are by everyone you’ve touched. Many know you for your fierce fashions, but I will always remember you for your softness, your immense kindness, that girly giggle, your generosity, and love for your family and friends. You lived authentically, with intellect and integrity… you are the real deal, class act @lynn_ban!!!”

The cast of 'Bling Empire: New York'
The cast of ‘Bling Empire: New York’ | Image via Instagram @dorothywang

“This is too much!!! Lynn you will always be our fairy godmother,” Rihanna commented on Sebastian’s post. “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!”

Tina Leung, another Bling Empire co-star, also left a comment on the post for Sebastian and his mom. “Sebastian, this is so beautiful. I still can’t believe it. She was always talking about you. Always. I remember her tearing up once when we were filming because she was thinking about you.”

“Lynn, can you hear us? We love you so so much. Giving you the biggest hug right now. Until we meet again,” Leung added.

Ban is survived by her husband Jett Kain and their son Sebastian.

Banner image via Instagram @lynn_ban.

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