Rosario Monachino
Heather Armstrong’s cause of death has been confirmed.
The popular blogger, 47, founded Dooce – named after her inability to spell ‘dude’ – in 2002 when blogging was on the rise.
Originally, it was a platform for her to complain about work and other topics in her life – such as leaving the Mormon church.
However, she was fired from her job shortly after for writing about her co-workers using nicknames.
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The firing incident went viral – which, at the time, meant Dooce was getting around 25,000 hits a day – and she soon became an internet hit.
Her blog grew in popularity in 2004 when she started using the platform to talk about motherhood and writing about her two children, Leta and Marlo.
She also shared personal experiences such as talking about battles with alcohol and depression.
By 2009, she was averaging 8.5 million readers a month and was even placed on Forbes’ 30 Most Influential Women in Media for that year.
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Sadly, Armstrong passed away on May 9 and now her cause of death has been confirmed.
Her boyfriend, Peter Ashdown, has told the Associated Press that the Dooce founder had died by suicide.
He told the outlet that she had been sober for more than 18 months and recently had a relapse.
However, he did not provide further details.
In a statement shared with CNN, Ashdown paid tribute to his partner – describing her as ‘brilliant’, ‘funny’ and ‘compassionate’.
It reads: “Heather B. Hamilton (Armstrong) was a brilliant, funny, compassionate writer who struggled with mental health and alcoholism.
“She saved many lives through her authorship on depression, but in the end could not save herself.
“She was a loving companion and mother who was always open for a new adventure or concert.
“Heather believed that ending her life was wrong, but in the end, her judgment was clouded by alcohol. She was loved and will be deeply missed.”
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Fans of Armstrong have taken to social media to pay tribute to the blogger.
One person writes: “It’s shocking to hear Heather Armstrong died yesterday. It’s hard to put into words just how influential she was to the blogosphere.
“I hope she is at peace, and that her children and loved ones are finding solace where they can.”
Someone else adds: “Heather Armstrong was one of the first writers who showed me that I didn’t have to wait around to be published.
“That I could be funny fierce and free and write on my own terms. What a loss this is.”
“I’m crushed, and I’m thinking of her family,” comments a third. “I hope they have the support they need and compassion for themselves.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the UK, the Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing [email protected] or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.
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