This post contains content regarding suicide.
Instagram influencer Lee Macmillan, known for travel and “van life,” content, died by suicide last week.
An Instagram post from Monday announced that Macmillian died on Friday, March 27, after “living an extraordinary life, and fighting a brave battle with depression.”
Macmillan was known for her and ex-partner Max Bidstrup’s travel content on Instagram and YouTube, where they documented travels throughout several countries with their dog Occy.
“She was the brightest light, a magnetic force of nature, and was loved by so so many,” the post read. “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,”
The couple had over 69,000 people following their travels on Instagram, which included a stint through Australia in a van, before a breakup announcement was made in January of 2020.
Bidstrup posted to his own account on Tuesday in memory of Macmillan.
“You were the best thing to ever happen to me,” he said. “I will always cherish my time with you in this world and hope beyond hope to see you in the next.”
Macmillan, a mental health advocate, was open about her own struggles in the area. The announcement, which was reshared by Bidstrup, said she was receiving professional help and was “not alone.” “And yet she still succumbed to this terrible illness,” the post said.
Macmillan and Bidstrup’s Instagram bios now have the hashtag #speakupforlee in hopes of spreading awareness about suicide and mental health.
For more information about suicide prevention or to speak with someone confidentially, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) or Samaritans (U.K.).
If you are a teen dealing with depression or other mental health issues, see PBS.org for a list of resources and organizations that can help you. If you are an adult, see Mental Health Resources.
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H/T Daily Mail