'Jeopardy!' contestant Laurin Bell dies at 41, fans rush to save her dog that was 'taken to the pound'
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
LAKELAND, FLORIDA: Laurin Bell, a former 'Jeopardy!' contestant and executive assistant from Lakeland, Florida, died at the age of 41 on Sunday, March 23.
Bell made a strong impression on viewers with her sharp gameplay during her February 14, 2023, appearance on the iconic quiz show.
'Jeopardy!' contestant Laurin Bell's cause of death confirmed
A spokesperson for the Florida Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to The US Sun that Laurin Bell died by suicide. They noted, "An autopsy has been performed, and toxicology testing is underway."
However, no additional details about her death have been released at this time.
Bell’s cousin Kristen Joyner shared the devastating news on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow over her death.
"It is with a heavy heart that we have to let everyone know Laurin Bell decided to end her life last night," Joyner wrote. "She was a brilliant, funny, and beautiful soul. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers as they process this loss."
Laurin Bell's beloved dog Kinley was 'taken to the pound' after her death
In the wake of Laurin Bell’s death, attention has also turned to her 14-year-old dog, Kinley.
Joyner made a call on Facebook to save Kinley, writing that Bell "had a dog that was taken to the pound, if anyone is willing to take her in please let me know."
She added, "The pup is at the shelter located in Polk County, FL. Her name is Kinley. She has 10 days."
Joyner described Kinley as a "great companion" who "is not good with other dogs, but is friendly with everyone and cats."
The Polk County Animal Control, run by the sheriff’s office, had a goal of becoming a no-kill shelter by this year, as stated by the local Humane Society chapter.
'Jeopardy!' has yet to comment on Bell's death.
Fans mourn Laurin Bell’s death and rally to save her beloved dog
Laurin Bell's appearance on the show made her a memorable contestant among 'Jeopardy!' fans, leading them to not only mourn her death but also worry about her dog's adoption.
One fan shared on Joyner's post, "I pray you find peace in the heavens above, Laurin. I am very sorry for all who knew and loved her. I am also praying that her beautiful dog can overcome the loss of her mom and finds a loving family to live out the rest of her days in peace."
"I hope someone takes the dog from the pound and also takes a few more,god bless them all!" one comment read.
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Please edit to add the location. This is being shared nationwide. I hope you'll try to find a rescue to take this poor dog til it finds a home. Imagine how scary the shelter is for a senior dog. Praying for your family, and this baby," a person wrote.
Another individual observed, "Can you try to reach out to a rescue. I'm sorry for your loss and I cant believe she'd want her dog to pass in a shelter. Usually there is an older dog rescue nearby."
"I don't know you and I am so sorry for your loss but PLEASE don't let the dog suffer bc of this situation where she has no choice. It's bad enough that she is grieving for the only person that was her whole world now she's in a strange loud scary smelly place with hard floors and probably no compassion. Surely somebody in the family is a dog person and can take the dog in to try to find a reputable rescue or someone willing to foster or adopt her," another comment read.
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