Who Was Michelle Young? US Army Veteran & Influencer Dies By Suicide

Michelle Young, a decorated US Army veteran and popular fitness social media influencer, passed away days after celebrating her daughter's birthday. Young, who died by suicide is survived by a 12-year-old daughter Gracie. 

Young was a mother of 12-year-old daughter Gracie as she called herself "Army Mama" and a veteran US Army staff sergeant. A close friend of Young confirmed the news on the American crowdfunding website, GoFundMe describing Young as a good friend and also an athlete calling her a "beautiful soul" and amazing friend.

Young's friend Sarah Maine wrote Young was a single mother and a soldier, and described her as evident proof that we would never know what demons one is fighting, referring. Maine ended a note expressing grief as "We will never fill the gaps in our hearts and will always be left with questions why."

Reportedly, over $30,000 of funds has been raised on GoFundMe to support Gracie in response to Maine's post. However, the reasons for Young's suicide remained unclear. 

Who Was Michelle Young?

Besides being a military sergeant in the US Army, Young was also a famous social media fitness influencer with over 108k followers on her Instagram where she also advocated physical fitness and mental health along with modelling and endorsing several brands. 

Reportedly, Young, a native of Prescott, Arizona joined the army at the age of seventeen when her daughter was just two years old, and Young returned after her first deployment seven years later. Young also served two years in Afghanistan and volunteered in her free time. 

During suicide prevention week in September, through an Instagram post, Young reflected on her own experience. She recalled losing her brother to suicide when she was just 14. She encouraged those in distress to seek out support. Young's last post was also with her daughter referring to her as her "best friend" while she celebrated her 12th birthday just four days before her death.

Young on often occasions used to advocate mental health awareness publically, however, the reason for her steps of dying by suicide remains unclear. In the wake of this loss, it's important to remember that mental health struggles can affect anyone irrespective of background or accomplishments.