TRAGIC LOSS Jeopardy! contestant Laurin Bell dead at 41 as friend mourns her ‘brilliant, funny, and beautiful soul’

JEOPARDY! contestant Laurin Bell has died at 41 years old, The U.S. Sun can report.

The executive assistant from Lakeland, Florida appeared on the February 14, 2023 episode of the long-running show, where she made a significant impression on viewers with her impressive gameplay.

Jeopardy! contestant Laurin Bell.
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Laurin Bell appeared on an episode of Jeopardy! in February 2023Credit: Jeopardy!

Three Jeopardy! contestants at their podiums; Kendra with $17,600, Laurin with $5,000, and Blaine with $8,800.
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She did not win the game, but impressed fans with her wide-ranging knowledgeCredit: NBC

Laurin Bell, Jeopardy! contestant, at her podium.
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Laurin worked as an executive assistant in her daily lifeCredit: Jeopardy!
A spokesperson for her local Florida Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to The U.S. Sun that the Jeopardy! star died on March 23, and her death was determined to be a suicide.

“An autopsy has been performed, and toxicology testing is underway,” the spokesperson said.

The office was unable to provide more information about the death.

A friend mourned Laurin’s death on Facebook Tuesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to let everyone know Laurin Bell decided to end her life last night,” the friend wrote.

“She was a brilliant, funny, and beautiful soul. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers as they process this loss.”

The friend also said her beloved dog was taken to the local shelter and is looking for a new home.

JEOPARDY! FANS IN MOURNING

Jeopardy! viewers were saddened by the announcement of Laurin’s sudden death.

“So sad to hear about this unfortunate tragedy,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “May she rest in peace.”

“May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her,” said another. “And may she be remembered well and fondly.”

“Devastated to hear this,” chimed in a third. “I hope the people she loved have support for their loss.”

Laurin played against returning champ Kendra Westerhaus and Blaine Smith on her 2023 episode.

Jeopardy! has not yet commented on the tragic news.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

 

Photo of Laurin Bell.
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Laurin lived in Lakeland, FloridaCredit: Facebook

Ken Jennings hosting Celebrity Jeopardy!
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Ken Jennings hosted Laurin’s episode