Amber Siyavus (1980-2026) Big Brother Season 8 Contestant

Who Was Amber Siyavus?

Amber Siyavus was an American reality television personality best known as a contestant on Big Brother Season 8 in 2007. To fans of the CBS reality franchise, she will always be remembered as Amber from Big Brother — the emotional, honest houseguest who wore her heart on her sleeve and became one of the most memorable figures of the season. She was known affectionately as Amber Big Brother 8 and Amber BB8 in fan discussions for years after the show aired.

Before her time on reality television, Siyavus worked as a server at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. When she joined the Season 8 cast of the CBS show in 2007, she was part of the "Late Night Crew" and formed friendships with Dustin Erikstrup and Jameka Cameron. She finished in seventh place and was the only houseguest that season to reach the jury phase without winning Head of Household or Power of Veto.

She died on October 9, 2026, at the age of 46, at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Clark County medical examiner confirmed her death to Deadline and PEOPLE. TMZ was first to report the news.

Amber Siyavus Cause of Death

Amber Siyavus's cause of death is currently listed as pending by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. She died on October 9, 2026, at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 46. The cause and manner of death have not yet been revealed.

According to her death records, Siyavus died October 9 at a residence in Las Vegas. The Clark County medical examiner in Nevada confirmed her death to Deadline. USA TODAY reviewed Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner records on Monday, October 12, which listed her cause and manner of death as pending.

TMZ was first to report the news. Shortly after, Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves shared a tribute to Siyavus on Instagram reels Monday, alongside a clip of Siyavus' Big Brother post-eviction interview: "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."

Season 8 winner Dick "Evel Dick" Donato took to X to share his thoughts on Siyavus' death and pay tribute to his fellow houseguest. "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." Donato continued, "RIP Amber, your battle is over. Sigh."

Her death came eight years after her daughter, Lexi Tomcavage, died at age 18. In January 2018, Tomcavage was found dead in Ohio. While on Big Brother, Siyavus opened up about her daughter and her role as a mother.

Big Brother Season 8

Amber Siyavus competed on Season 8 of Big Brother in 2007. During her time on the show, she became close to her fellow housemates, Jameka Cameron and Dustin Erikstrup, and was known for some emotional and quite often tearful moments, earning the nickname "Whamber."

Siyavus was evicted eighth and finished in seventh place. Dick "Evel Dick" Donato went on to win the season. Despite his divisive and confrontational personality, Donato won the season, and Siyavus became one of the most memorable contestants from that year's cast.

During her more than 60 days on the show, Siyavus often spoke of her daughter, Lexi Tomcavage. She was open about her life, her struggles, and her role as a mother — a vulnerability that endeared her to viewers even as it made her a target in the game.

For years after the season aired, fans continued to search for updates on Amber from Big Brother, Amber Big Brother 8, and Amber BB8. Her journey on the show — emotional, raw, and honest — left a lasting impression on the Big Brother community.

Early Life and Background

Amber Siyavus was born on March 17, 1980. Before appearing on Big Brother, she worked as a server at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She was a resident of the Las Vegas area and was part of the "Late Night Crew" during her time on the show.

Siyavus was a mother to her daughter, Lexi Tomcavage. While on Big Brother, she opened up about her daughter and her role as a mother, sharing personal stories with her fellow houseguests and the viewing audience. Her daughter's death in 2018 was a devastating loss that Siyavus carried with her in the years that followed.

Daughter Lexi Tomcavage

Amber Siyavus's daughter, Lexi Tomcavage, died in January 2018 at the age of 18. Tomcavage was found dead in Canton, Ohio. According to TMZ, her death was an apparent suicide.

Siyavus had spoken openly about her daughter during her time on Big Brother. The loss of Lexi was a profound tragedy that shaped the later years of Siyavus's life. Her death came eight years after her daughter's passing — a painful symmetry that was noted by fans and media outlets alike.

In the years following her daughter's death, Siyavus remained in the thoughts of Big Brother fans, who continued to search for updates on her life and well-being.

Tributes and Reactions

Following the announcement of Amber Siyavus's death, tributes poured in from across the Big Brother community. Julie Chen Moonves, the longtime host of Big Brother, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: "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."

Dick "Evel Dick" Donato, who won Season 8, wrote on X: "This is a shame. 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. RIP Amber, your battle is over. Sigh."

Fans of the show also shared their memories of Siyavus on social media, remembering her emotional honesty and her memorable moments in the Big Brother house. Many noted that her death came just months after another Big Brother contestant, Mickey Lee, died on December 25, 2025, at the age of 35. Lee had competed on Season 27 and finished in 10th place.

The news of Siyavus's death was covered by major outlets including Deadline, PEOPLE, USA TODAY, and the Sacramento Bee, as well as TMZ, which was first to report the story.

Net Worth

There is no reliable, publicly verified estimate of Amber Siyavus's net worth. She appeared on one season of Big Brother and returned to private life after her time on the show. Her finances were never publicly disclosed. Like many reality television contestants, her primary income came from her work before and after the show, and she did not pursue a long-term career in entertainment following her eviction.

Legacy

Amber Siyavus's legacy is one of honesty and vulnerability. She was remembered by Big Brother fans as a contestant who wore her heart on her sleeve and who spoke openly about her daughter and her struggles. Her emotional journey on Season 8 made her a memorable figure in the show's history.

For fans who remember Amber from Big Brother, Amber Big Brother 8, and Amber BB8, she will always be a part of the show's rich history. Her story — one of love, loss, and resilience — touched viewers and fellow houseguests alike. She will be remembered with love by the Big Brother community.

Our thoughts are with Amber Siyavus's family, friends, and all who knew her during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Amber Siyavus

Who was Amber Siyavus?

Amber Siyavus (March 17, 1980 – October 9, 2026) was an American reality television personality best known as a contestant on Season 8 of Big Brother in 2007. She was known for her emotional moments on the show, earning her the nickname "Whamber." She finished in seventh place.

How did Amber Siyavus die?

Amber Siyavus died on October 9, 2026, at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 46. The Clark County medical examiner confirmed her death. The cause and manner of death are pending. TMZ was first to report the news.

What was Amber Siyavus's cause of death?

Amber Siyavus's cause and manner of death are currently listed as pending by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. She died on October 9, 2026, at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. No official cause of death has been released.

When did Amber Siyavus die?

Amber Siyavus died on October 9, 2026, at the age of 46. She died at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her death was confirmed by the Clark County medical examiner.

How old was Amber Siyavus when she died?

Amber Siyavus was 46 years old when she died on October 9, 2026. She was born on March 17, 1980.

Where did Amber Siyavus die?

Amber Siyavus died at a residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 9, 2026. She was a resident of the Las Vegas area and had worked as a server at Caesars Palace before appearing on Big Brother.

What was Amber Siyavus famous for?

Amber Siyavus was famous for competing on Season 8 of Big Brother in 2007. She was known for her emotional moments on the show, earning her the nickname "Whamber." She finished in seventh place and was the only houseguest that season to reach the jury phase without winning Head of Household or Power of Veto.

What was Amber Siyavus's nickname on Big Brother?

Amber Siyavus was nicknamed "Whamber" on Big Brother because she frequently became emotional and tearful during her time on the show. The nickname was a play on her first name and the word "whimper."

Who was Amber Siyavus's daughter?

Amber Siyavus's daughter was Lexi Tomcavage. Lexi died in January 2018 at the age of 18 in Canton, Ohio. Siyavus had opened up about her daughter and her role as a mother during her time on Big Brother.

What season of Big Brother was Amber Siyavus on?

Amber Siyavus competed on Season 8 of Big Brother in 2007. She finished in seventh place. Dick "Evel Dick" Donato went on to win the season.

Who won Big Brother Season 8?

Dick "Evel Dick" Donato won Big Brother Season 8 in 2007. Amber Siyavus finished in seventh place that season. Donato paid tribute to Siyavus after her death, writing: "RIP Amber, your battle is over. Sigh."

Who paid tribute to Amber Siyavus?

Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves paid tribute to Amber Siyavus on Instagram, writing: "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." Season 8 winner Dick Donato also paid tribute on X.

What was Amber Siyavus's job before Big Brother?

Before appearing on Big Brother, Amber Siyavus worked as a server at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She was part of the "Late Night Crew" on the show.

Who were Amber Siyavus's friends on Big Brother?

Amber Siyavus formed close bonds with fellow houseguests Jameka Cameron and Dustin Erikstrup during her time on Big Brother Season 8. She was part of the "Late Night Crew" with them.

What was Amber Siyavus's net worth?

There is no reliable, publicly verified estimate of Amber Siyavus's personal net worth. She appeared on one season of Big Brother and returned to private life after her time on the show. Her finances were never publicly disclosed.

What was Amber Siyavus's legacy?

Amber Siyavus's legacy is one of honesty and vulnerability. She was remembered by Big Brother fans as a contestant who wore her heart on her sleeve and who spoke openly about her daughter and her struggles. Her emotional journey on Season 8 made her a memorable figure in the show's history.