On Saturday, June 15, Seeking Sister Wife star Bernie McGee passed away at only 41 years old. His wife Paige confirmed to TMZ that Bernie was riding his bicycle Saturday when he overheated and felt ill, and he called her to come pick him up. She says by the time she arrived, EMTs were already working on him ... and she knew it was very bad.
Paige says the coroner told her Bernie died from heat stroke and a heart attack
The TLC’s star’s death was sudden, and his widow, Paige McGee, has been sharing updates with fans on social media. Paige believes her brother, Patrick Marble, was the biggest factor in his death. We wrote about that back in March:
Their court date for the case was approaching, and Paige says it had a terrible effect on Bernie, saying ... "the stress of going to court this coming Wednesday with fear of 1 year in jail wore on Bernie."
Now, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden for Paige as she mourns the loss of her husband and the father of her children.
“Bernie and Paige McGee loved each other and their children unconditionally,” read the description on the Bernie McGee Memorial Fund. “Unfortunately, they faced the worst sudden devastation that shocked many. [On] Saturday June 15, Paige received a call from Bernie while he was riding his bicycle to let her know he wasn’t feeling well. Paige immediately went to get him but by the time she reached him EMS had to tell her what no wife and mother is ever prepared to hear. Bernie passed away due to heat stroke/heart attack.”
"Seeking Sister Wife" co-stars shared their condolences on social media.
TLC shared this touching message on their Facebook page:
"Our hearts go out to the McGee family following the loss of husband and father, Bernie McGee. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.According to his wife Paige, Bernie was out riding his bike when he suffered from a heat stroke and heart attack. He later died at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS on Saturday, June 15. The Seeking Sister Wife star was 41 years old.“Bernie loved the outdoors especially camping, hiking and riding his bike,” his obituary said. “He never met a stranger and loved his family and friends very much. Bernie was full of life.”
The Snoden Family took to Instagram:
"bernie allen mcgee - our fellow cast member on seeking sister wife, passed away a few hours ago..the snowden’s hope your wife and young sons find peace and may you rest in power my friend. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.please go love on your loved ones now!
From The Winder Family: "We are so saddened this evening to hear of the passing of Bernie McGee. We hope and pray that Paige and his family will be comforted in this time of sorrow. This life is fleeting. May we all live in our truth every day and strive to live as openly and with as much caring as Bernie did."
About The McGees
After a fire destroyed their Brandon, Mississippi house, Paige and Bernie moved with their two young sons and two dogs into a tiny mobile camper. Rather than letting it get them down, the McGees seize this as an opportunity to embrace a fresh start. Bernie and Paige had been seeking a sister wife for several years, but their previous attempts sparked jealousy in Paige. After taking a break from the search, they are now ready to dust the cobwebs off their dating profile and put themselves back on the market! Their foray into online dating yields a promising candidate named Brandy, and they seem to be on a fast track to plural harmony, until Paige’s jealousy returns and threatens their hope of ever expanding the McGee tribe.
Rest in Peace, Bernie.