Lee MacMillan, a beloved Canadian influencer who was living in the Santa Barbara area the last six months, has died.
According to an online report by E! News, the 28-year-old was killed by an Amtrak train on 26 March. She'd been reported missing after leaving her home without taking any of her personal belongings with her.
Lee had been very open and honest about her mental health struggles with her fans and followers.
"After living an extraordinary life, and fighting a brave battle with depression, our hearts are shattered to share that Lee took her life on Friday. She was the brightest light, a magnetic force of nature and was loved by so so many," a memorial post on her Instagram reads.
"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.
"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."
Lee used Instagram and YouTube to document her global travels in a van.
Jordan Chiu, who Lee was dating, paid tribute to her on Instagram, writing: "You were a dream beyond my wildest dreams. You filled my heart up full to bursting and stretched it further than what I ever imagined was possible. You were my person, my partner, my best friend. Every day with you was an adventure and I hope wherever you are you've found peace and snuggles. Rest easy puppy. I love you more than you will ever know."
Lee's family and friends are establishing a foundation in her name under the hashtag #SpeakUpForLee to promote mental health awareness and to combat cyberbullying.
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The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) can be reached at 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 456 789 (24 hours, 7 days a week).