Amber Siyavus Children: All About Big Brother Star’s Daughter Lexi Tomcavage

Amber Siyavus had one child: a daughter named Lexi Tomcavage. The Big Brother 8 houseguest, who died on October 9, 2026, at age 46, spoke often about her daughter during her time on the CBS reality series in 2007 and described motherhood as the center of her life.

Lexi was born when Amber was just 19 years old. Amber raised her as a single mother, working as a cocktail waitress at the MGM Grand Las Vegas while competing on Big Brother in the summer of 2007.

A Single Mother’s Mission

When Amber entered the Big Brother 8 house in 2007, she was introduced as a single mother and Las Vegas waitress hoping to win the $500,000 prize for her daughter. She frequently spoke about missing Lexi and about the bond they shared.

“My daughter is my life. I love my daughter, me and her are best friends,” Amber said after appearing on the show.

During her more than 60 days in the house, Amber’s emotional moments and tearful diary room sessions became a defining part of her time on the series. Fellow houseguests nicknamed her “Whamber” because of her frequent crying.

Lexi’s Tragic Death in 2018

Amber’s daughter Lexi Tomcavage died in January 2018 at age 18 in Ohio. Her death was investigated as an apparent suicide.

Lexi died in Canton, Ohio, according to reports. Her death came less than three months after the death of her best friend, who also died by suicide. Just two days before she died, Lexi had shared a video showing suicide prevention expert Jeff Yalden speaking about her hometown of Perry, Ohio, where five teenagers took their own lives within six months in 2018.

The Stark County Coroner’s Office confirmed at the time that Lexi’s death was being investigated as a suicide. The coroner’s office also stated that four other teenagers from Lexi’s high school had died in the past six months from suspected suicide.

Amber’s Devastation After Losing Her Daughter

Lexi’s death was a devastating blow for Amber and those closest to her. In the years that followed, Amber faced legal troubles and personal struggles, including substance abuse and mental health issues.

According to court records, Amber pleaded guilty in 2020 to attempting to resist an officer with a dangerous weapon and to felony forgery over Western Union money orders. She received suspended prison sentences and probation for both offenses. By 2023, she was no longer under court supervision.

Family History of Loss

Lexi’s death was not the only tragedy in Amber’s family. The Big Brother alum’s passing marks another heartbreaking chapter for her family.

Amber died on October 9, 2026, at a residence in Las Vegas, according to the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada. Her cause and manner of death are both listed as pending.

Tributes from the Big Brother Community

Following Amber’s death, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves shared a tribute on Instagram. “Rest in Peace Amber. Hard to believe but I know you are back in our eternal home with our Creator. Thank you for your heart and honesty. We will remember you with love,” she wrote.

Dick Donato, who won Big Brother 8, also paid tribute on X. “This is a shame,” he wrote. “I contacted her on FB to give her some encouraging words about staying clean. I hadn’t spoken to her since just after the show.” He added: “RIP Amber, your battle is over. Sigh.”

Amber finished in seventh place on Big Brother 8 and became the only houseguest that season to reach the jury phase without winning Head of Household or Power of Veto. She later voted to crown Dick Donato as the season’s winner.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.