Michelle Young, a 34-year-old US Army soldier and popular fitness influencer, tragically died by suicide just days after her daughter’s 12th birthday. Young had served in the army for 16 years, completing two tours in Afghanistan.
In her free time, Young worked as a crisis and trauma response volunteer and volunteered at a local women’s and children’s homeless shelter. She was also an advocate for better mental health treatment for veterans, often using her Instagram account, which had 108K followers, to raise awareness.
Young’s brother’s suicide fueled her passion for service, as she wrote in one of her posts. “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,” she wrote.
Just days before taking her own life, Young posted a heartwarming birthday message for her daughter, whom she called “the best part about my life.” The cause of her suicide remains unclear.
Following her death, a GoFundMe page was launched to support her daughter, Gracie. “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,” the page reads. “We will never fill the gaps in our hearts and will always be left with questions why.”
Suicide is a preventable tragedy. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
