Annie Walton Doyle
Michelle Young, a United States Army soldier and online influencer, has tragically died aged 34.
Young amassed more than 112,000 followers on Instagram, where she described herself as a ‘mama’ and a soldier.
Her content was based around ‘fashion, fitness [and] dad jokes’.
She’d share snippets of her life, from her outfit posts to her behind-the-scenes looks at influencer events.
Young spent 16 years in the army, during which time she completed two tours in Afghanistan, as per MailOnline.
She was also an activist, working for causes including mental health care for veterans, tackling homelessness, and volunteering as a crisis trauma response volunteer in her local area.
But tragically, it has now been disclosed that Young has passed away.
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News of Young’s passing was confirmed after a friend set up a GoFundMe in her name.
Warning: the following contains a discussion of suicide.
Sarah Maine pens: “I write this today with a heavy heart. Our good friend and athlete Michelle was taken from us by suicide.
“Michelle was a beautiful soul, an amazing friend, a single mother, a soldier, and is proof you never know what someone is going through or what demons they may be fighting.
“We will never fill the gaps in our hearts and will always be left with questions why.”
She adds: “Michelle is survived by her daughter G, who was her whole world. NOTHING can replace her mother, but the purpose of this is to help her daughter G with anything she may need.
“We know Michelle would appreciate us all looking out for her now.”
Maine set a goal of $50,000, and at the time of writing, the GoFundMe is extremely close to reaching its target.
There have been more than 800 donors to the cause.
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Many have also left heartfelt messages for Young, with one writing: “RIP, thank you for your service…”
Another comments: “You were so loved. I’m so sad.”
A third agrees: “May God be with her and the angels keep Gracie safe and loved unconditionally.”
“Her story touched my heart. Too many of our bravest have died,” offers a fourth donator.
Young had previously shared a post for Suicide Prevention Week, including disclosing that she had lost her elder brother to suicide when she was just 14 years old, as per the New York Post.
At the time, she said (via MailOnline): “That day forever changed my life, but it also created a passion for helping others that I don’t think I would have had if I didn’t experience the pain of losing him.”
Rest in peace.
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.
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
