The American soldier and influencer Michelle Young died at the age of 34

The fashion and fitness content creator passed away on Saturday, just days after her daughter Gracie’s birthday.

Photo: networks

What is known about the death of Michelle Young?

Sergeant Michelle Young took her own life at the age of 34, just days after her daughter Gracie’s 12th birthday. “Our good friend and athlete Michelle was taken from us by suicide,” said Sarah Maine, a friend who organized a fundraiser on the GofundMe platform and left her a few words.

“Michelle was a beautiful soul, an incredible friend, single mother and proof that you never know what someone else is going through or what the hell they may be facing.”

“From the outside it seemed like I had it all… mental illness is widespread, especially in the Army. We have to find a way to do it better,” Maine said through his Instagram account. The reasons that led Young to commit suicide have not yet been clarified.

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Who was Michelle Young?

Young joined the military ranks when he was 17 years old, serving twice in Afghanistan, most recently in 2021. That same year, he extended his military contract to serve 20 years; last year he had turned 16.

Days before learning of his death, Young had celebrated his daughter Gracie’s birthday. On social networks, family and friends showed photos of the closeness of mother and daughter. On Instagram, her last publication dedicated a message to her daughter: “I was in the Army before becoming a mother, I volunteered for this life, she did not. She has had to endure being away from her only parent during multiple deployments, temporary assignments and training. However, she never complains”

On Instagram she has 112,000 followers and worked as a model for a sports clothing company for female soldiers. She also advocated for mental health treatment for war veterans and fought against the lack of housing for former soldiers. She also volunteered at local shelters for homeless women and children.

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In September of last year, Young spoke out at Suicide Prevention Week remembering her older brother, who had taken his own life when she was 14 years old. Through her message she encouraged anyone with problems to contact her.

On his Instagram, he commented that the loss of his brother sparked a passion for helping others that changed his life. “That day changed my life forever, but it also created a passion for helping others that I don’t think I would have had if “I wouldn’t have experienced the pain of losing him.”

Military values ​​come in the blood of the Young family, the influencer highlighted in her networks her grandfather, a Navy veteran who served in World War II