Lynn Ban, the renowned jewellery designer and star of “Bling Empire: New York,” has sadly passed away at the age of 52.
She died on Monday, January 20, following a series of complications after undergoing emergency surgery for a brain bleed caused by a skiing accident.
The accident occurred on Christmas Eve in Aspen, where Ban had been enjoying a ski trip with her family. In a heartbreaking post shared by her son, Sebastian, the world learned of her passing.
Ban made a lasting impression on “Bling Empire” with her bold and fearless persona. Her dramatic fashion choices were only one aspect of her character—her quick wit and honesty set her apart from the rest.
As the "confident outsider" in the social circles of Los Angeles, she didn't shy away from speaking her mind, which earned her a loyal fan base, as well as the occasional controversy.
On December 30, Ban shared the tragic details of her ski accident, explaining that she had a near-fatal brain bleed, which required a craniotomy. Despite wearing a helmet, the tip of her ski caught, and she fell.
Initially, Ban felt she was fine, even managing to ski down the slope. However, the decision to get checked for a concussion ultimately saved her life. A CAT scan revealed the severity of her injury, and she was rushed to the hospital for surgery.
Ban’s journey after the accident was a long and challenging one, but she remained strong and hopeful, fighting through the recovery process.
She shared her struggles with fans, and her openness about the experience allowed her followers to connect with her. "In a blink of an eye … life can change," she wrote in her Instagram post.
While many remember Ban for her role in “Bling Empire”, her impact extended beyond reality TV. As a celebrated jewellery designer, Ban was known for her exquisite pieces that blended boldness with elegance.
Her designs became synonymous with luxury and she was a go-to choice for fashion-forward celebrities and the elite.
Her unique pieces often featured large gemstones, bold metalwork, and a blend of modern and classic aesthetics, making her a pioneer in creating statement jewellery.
Ban’s influence within the fashion world was undeniable. Her designs were often featured in high-profile fashion shows and were worn by A-Listers who shared her love for dramatic yet sophisticated styles.
In a 2021 interview with “Vogue”, Ban explained: “Jewellery should be a reflection of your personality and individuality. I like to design pieces that are not just fashionable but also have a bit of attitude.”
Beyond her professional life, Ban was a devoted mother and wife. Her son Sebastian remembered her as "the funniest and coolest mum", a sentiment echoed by many who knew her.
Her co-stars from “Bling Empire” also shared their memories, with Dorothy Wang describing her as "a true badass yet the kindest ray of light at the same time."
Rihanna and Ban had a professional relationship built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work. Rihanna, known for her trailblazing fashion choices, was a fan of Ban’s jewellery designs and frequently wore her pieces.
Rihanna wrote on Instagram: "2025 is rocking me at this point! This is too much!!! Lynn you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always! Can’t believe I’m writing this in a comment section rn! 😢💔 Thank you for all the joy you brought to us!"
Ban’s “Bling Empire” co-star Dorothy Wang shared with Sebastian that his mom "lit up every time she spoke of you – I will never forget".