Lynn Ban is being honored and remembered by her Bling Empire: New York castmates following her untimely passing.
The beloved jewelry designer died at the age of 52 on Monday, January 20, after undergoing brain surgery due to a ski accident on Christmas Eve. In the wake of the heartbreaking news, her fellow cast members and friends have shared tributes, including Nam Laks, who reflected on the impact Ban had on her life.
“Lynn is the ultimate cool, authentic fashionista queen. She radiated life, confidence, individuality, and undeniable badass energy,” Laks told in a statement.
“Every time we met, she exuded a genuine ‘Be yourself!’ vibe that was not only inspiring but also truly one of a kind. Her absence will be deeply felt. May you find eternal peace, Lynn .”
Laks also reposted a heartfelt photo of Ban and her son, Sebastian, from his announcement on Instagram”
Dorothy Wang, another castmate, mourned Ban’s loss with an emotional post, sharing multiple photos and a moving tribute.
“Lynn, I can’t believe this is real and you are no longer with us. In our last conversation, we spoke about how precious life is and how grateful you are for a second chance.
Life really did change in the blink of an eye, and we are devastated,” Wang wrote. “I wish we could have one more FaceTime session, one more yummy meal to laugh over the experiences we’ve shared.
I wish I could tell you one last time just how much I absolutely love you. I wish life didn’t move so fast and we got to the projects and plans we intended to. Simply put, I just wish we had more time together.”
Wang continued, “I hope you feel how truly loved, adored, and respected you are by everyone you’ve touched. Many know you for your fierce fashions, but I will always remember you for your softness: your immense kindness, that girly giggle, your generosity, and your love for family and friends. You lived authentically, with intellect and integrity.
You are the real deal, class act @lynn_ban!!! You were our angel here on earth and now dancing and having your legendary photoshoots up in heaven. You will forever be my jie jie, an icon, a badass boss with a heart of gold, and of course… our MUVA (never mommy! ). Love you forever, my Lynny .”
Wang also explained to her followers that she would take a break from her usual “morning mantra” posts. “It has been terribly hard trying to think of anything happy or positive to share today,” she admitted. “RIP Lynn .”
Cast member Tina Leung, appearing to be in France, shared a somber video of rain falling against a window to her Instagram Stories. She tagged Ban and wrote, “Paris is crying with me.” She later added, “With us.”
Bling Empire: New York
Blake Abbie paid his respects by posting several photos of Ban on his Instagram Stories, capturing moments of her joy and vibrancy. One image showed her laughing while eating a hot dog, another sipping a matcha latte, and a third featuring the two smiling in a selfie.
Christine Chiu, from the Los Angeles version of Bling Empire, also shared her condolences in a comment on Sebastian’s post. “I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn led an inspiring and incredible life, and was an extraordinary human … mom, wife, artist, boss, queen,” she wrote. “May her love and light live on forever.”
Lynn’s teenage son, Sebastian, shared the news of her passing on January 22, describing her as “the funniest and coolest mum.”
“My mum passed away on Monday,” he wrote, alongside several family photos. “I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her.”
Sebastian continued, “Many of you followed my mum but never got the chance to know her or meet her in person. I would like to take the chance to share who my mum really was.
She was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me, and someone who cared for all. She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process. She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know.”
He concluded, “Although she may be gone now, I will do everything I can to make sure she is never forgotten and for her life to be celebrated as it deserves to be. As a final message to my mum, I would just like to say that I will miss you forever, and to end [with] something she always told me: ‘I love you more than life itself’ mum.”
The devastating news also prompted tributes from stars outside of the Bling Empire franchise. Rihanna expressed her grief, writing, “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!”
Singer Kali Uchis shared her thoughts, writing, “My deepest condolences to you & your family. Your mom looks at you with so much love, pride & joy.
May her soul rest in peace knowing how loved she is by you too. Though we are all strangers to you, we all admired your mom greatly & will keep you in our well-intentioned wishes always.”
Model and actress Adwoa Aboah also added, “Heartbreaking news. What a woman! Lynn FOREVER. Sending so much love to all of her family.”
