Arizona Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Michelle Young poses in a photo posted to her Instagram account. (Instagram)
A social media fitness influencer who served as a staff sergeant in the Arizona Army National Guard died by suicide last week in Prescott, Ariz., according to Guard and police spokespeople.
Michelle Young, 34, assigned to the 98th Aviation Troop Command, died Friday, Prescott Police Lt. Corey Kasun told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday.
For most of her 16-year military career, Young served as an aviation operations noncommissioned officer, Arizona Guard spokeswoman Capt. Erin Hannigan said by email Tuesday.
“Young was a valued member of our team, known for her dedication and impact on our organization,” she said.
She deployed to the Middle East in 2021, according to 12News of Phoenix.
“The Arizona National Guard is deeply saddened” by Young’s death, Hannigan said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Young’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Young died by suicide, Kasun said.
On her Instagram page, dedicated to fashion and fitness, her death shocked many of her 111,000 followers.
“I just heard the news,” wrote william.isbister17. “I’m floored. Such an incredible soldier mom and human being. Be at peace.”
Sarah Maine, owner of Curves N Combatboots, a women’s activewear business that Young endorsed, and her husband, Elijah Maine, started a GoFundMe page, In loving memory of SSG Michelle Young, to raise donations on behalf of Young’s 12-year-old daughter.
“I write this today with a heavy heart. Our good friend and athlete Michelle was taken from us by suicide,” Sarah Maine wrote Saturday on the fundraising website.
The site had raised more than $43,000 toward a $50,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Young’s Instagram account featured photos of travel, fashion and activities like ice skating, snowboarding and swimming, along with photographs of her in uniform and with her daughter.
“From the outside looking in it looked like she had it all,” Maine wrote. “Drop dead gorgeous, her career, her beautiful daughter, fun travel adventures … but you just never know what kind of demons are haunting someone behind closed doors.”
Anyone contemplating suicide or who knows someone who is should seek assistance immediately by contacting the Military/Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and pressing 1 when prompted.
