Social media influencer Lee MacMillan has died aged 28 by taking her own life.
The online star, who had a following of over 60k on her Life with Lee account, died of suicide following a battle with depression.
Lee was an influencer known for travelling the world in her van and she shared updates and posts about her life on her social media platform.
According to Local news station KEYT-TV in California, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office identified Lee as the woman that was hit and killed by a train last week near Santa Barbara.
A post to MacMillan’s Instagram account on Monday confirmed her death was by suicide.
(Image: lifewithlee/Instagram)
The statement described Lee as “the brightest light, a magnetic force of nature and was loved by so so many.
(Image: lifewithlee/Instagram)
It read: “If we can do one thing for Lee now, in the midst of this soul-crushing loss, it’s to spread the message that mental health is just as real as physical health and that illness can strike anyone, no matter how unlikely they may seem. It’s ok to not be ok, it’s ok to ask for help, it’s absolutely necessary to ask for help.”
(Image: lifewithlee/Instagram)
The post continued: “Lee was an advocate for mental health. She was candid and open about her own struggles.
“She was receiving help: from professionals, from family, from friends. She had support around her. She was not alone, she was not trying to fight this alone. And yet she still succumbed to this terrible illness. It is more nuanced than we can, or do, appreciate or understand.”
(Image: lifewithlee/Instagram)
The message then urged other people struggling with mental health issues to seek help and not get too weighed down by ‘perfect’ Instagram appearances.
It continued: “Life is more complex than a single social media post. Things are complicated. Don’t believe what you see online.
“Get out into the world and talk to your loved ones.
“Check in. Ask them genuinely how they’re doing. Be available to help. To listen. To offer help. Remove the stigma of asking for help.
“Let’s spread the awareness of this issue, for Lee and everyone else who needs to hear this: #speakupforlee. And hold your loved ones tight. Tell them you love them. Because life can change in an instant. We will miss her with every fiber of our hearts…”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
