The 1000lb Sisters family is mourning another profound loss as Katie Slaton, cousin to reality stars Amy and Tammy Slaton, has passed away at the age of 37 following a battle with stage 4 gastric adenocarcinoma, an aggressive and rare form of stomach cancer.

Katie, who made multiple appearances on the hit TLC show, including a memorable moment in Season 5 after Tammy’s release from a weight-loss facility, died earlier this week. The news was confirmed by her cousin and castmate Amanda Halterman, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “It [is] with a completely crushed heart and spirit that I have to post this,” Amanda wrote.

“My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday. She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely. She was the life of the party and my best friend.”

Amanda urged followers to pray for the family, writing: “Please pray for my aunt, uncle and cousins, but mostly for the babies and for Natalie to be strong,” she added, referring to Katie’s longtime partner, Natalie Gerrick Bailie.

“Please pray for everyone whom loves her. Thank you all who has come out and supported her.”

Fans flooded the post with condolences, with one commenting, “Deepest sympathy & condolences goes out to you Amanda, your family, & friend,” while another added, “Godspeed to your cousin. My heart goes out to all of you.”

Although Tammy, 39, and Amy, 37, have not issued public statements, Tammy had previously voiced support for Katie’s cancer battle.

In January, she shared a GoFundMe link to help with medical expenses, writing: “Y’all, I’m so sorry to be asking a big favour like this, but if anyone can help, even if it’s a dollar, it would help my cousin out so much.”

“She has been on my show, but this is something new. Our family just found out about her having cancer,” Tammy continued. “Even if you can’t donate, all I ask is for you to pray… anything and everything is greatly appreciated not only by her, but myself and my siblings.”

Bailie had kept loved ones updated on Katie’s condition earlier in the year, sharing via Facebook that her partner had started chemotherapy.

“We are so thankful that her symptoms are improving,” she wrote in February. “We could not get through this without you! Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers!”

Katie’s death comes just over a year after Tammy’s husband, Caleb Willingham, died in July 2023 at age 40 due to complications from super morbid obesity.

Though the couple was separated at the time, Tammy called Caleb her “sweet angel” and thanked him “for showing me real love and happiness.”