RIP: This world mental health day, we remember the local and international celebrities we’ve lost to suicide this year. Images via @rikyrickworld, @thenaomijudd/Instagram
World Mental Health Day: Celebs we’ve lost to suicide
RIP: This World Mental Health Day, we remember our local and international celebrities we’ve lost to suicide this year.
RIP: This world mental health day, we remember the local and international celebrities we’ve lost to suicide this year. Images via @rikyrickworld, @thenaomijudd/Instagram
Losing a loved one to suicide is one of the most emotionally devastating experiences a person can go through. And when a celebrity commits suicide, then it is not just their family but the entire world that is left shocked and grieving.
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While life may seem perfect for many of our stars, some spend years battling depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues out of the public eye.
This World Mental Health Day, 10 October, we remember our local and international celebrities we’ve lost to suicide this year. May they continue to rest peacefully.
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CELEBRITIES WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE
RIKY RICK
On 23 February this year, rapper, actor and fashion icon Riky Rick (real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado) reportedly took his own life at age 34.
The Boss Zonke hit maker, who allegedly hanged himself in the early hours of Wednesday morning, was a father to two and had been in a long-term relationship with Bianca Naidoo, whom he called his wife.
Riky had previously spoken about his battle with depression in his interviews and according to Sunday World, he left a note to his children and Bianca.
“I’m sorry for being the one who gives up but the pain I feel is too much to deal with. The voices in my head have never gone away,” the letter read in part.
CHESLIE KRYST
Former Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst on died at 30 after jumping from her high-rise New York City apartment on 30 January 2022.
While she reportedly left a suicide note in which she instructed all her possessions to be left to her mother, she did not reveal a motive.
New York Department confirmed that Kryst’s death was by suicide, Variety reported in February.
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TUMI TLADI
The South African hip-hop community suffered yet another loss on 10 July when rapper Tumi Tladi passed away.
A close friend and a police officer reveal to Sunday World that the 30-year-old Basadi hitmaker committed suicide by gassing himself. This is after Tladi’s family speculated that the rapper might have been murdered as they said he wasn’t suicidal.
PATRICK SHAI
The former The River actor committed suicide in January. He was found hanging by his wife, Mmasechaba, in their Dobsonville home.
Patrick Shai’s passing came a few days after social media backlash following a video of him challenging rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match.
NAOMI JUDD
Renowned American singer and actress Naomi Judd committed suicide on 30 April this year. The 76-year-old was also famous for her country music act duo with her daughter Wynonna called The Judds
Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Ashley Judd, and a report, which was obtained by the Associated Press, indicates that Naomi Judd died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her Tennessee home.
ALSO READ: ‘She used a firearm’: Naomi Judd’s daughter speaks about singer’s suicide
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, contact these numbers for help.
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837
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