Tributes are pouring in after a soldier and influencer committed suicide just days after her daughter’s birthday.
Staff Sergeant Michelle Young, 34, who had completed two deployments in Afghanistan, died unexpectedly on Saturday.
Who was Michelle Young?
Michelle Young was an influencer and a soldier in the United States Army.
Young had over 100,000 Instagram followers and modeled for a female-veterans-focused athletic gear company.
Michelle was a strong supporter of better mental health care for military veterans and combatting homelessness among former troops.
She also served as a crisis trauma response volunteer at a nearby shelter.
In September, she shared a post for Suicide Prevention Week, describing how her elder brother committed suicide when she was 14 years old and encouraging anyone in difficulty to reach out.
Did Michelle Young serve in the US army?
The Prescott, Arizona, resident enlisted in the Army at 17 and came home at 24, shortly after her daughter turned two.
She advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed two deployments in Afghanistan.
“I was in the military before I became a mother,” Young previously wrote.
“I volunteered for this life, she didn’t.
“She’s had to be away from her only parent during multiple deployments, TDYs, and training, yet she never complains.”
In 2021, Michelle extended her military contract to serve 20 years.
By the time of her death, she had served 16.
When did Michelle Young pass away?
On Saturday January 20, friends of Michelle revealed that she had taken her own life.
Just days before, Michelle had shared a post celebrating her daughter Gracie’s 12th birthday.
“Happy birthday to the sweetest girl I’ve ever known,” she wrote.
“She’s a force to be reckoned with, she’s witty, ambitious, kind, compassionate, intelligent, hardworking, hilarious, and selfless.
“I cried the entire time I made this. I love you forever, kiddo.
“The best part about my life is being your momma.”
A GoFundMe Page has been launched in Michelle’s memory, the proceeds of which will go Gracie.
The page has raised nearly $25,000.
“From the outside looking in it looked like she had it all,” the description reads.
“Mental illness is so prevalent, especially in the military.
“We need to find a way to do better.”
