Staff Sergeant Michelle Young, a 34-year-old member of the U.S. Army and an influential fitness and fashion personality on social media, tragically ended her life on Friday, January 19, 2024, leaving a community of friends, followers, and fellow veterans in profound shock.
Her passing came just days after the celebration of her daughter’s 12th birthday.
Young’s military career spanned 16 years, including two tours in Afghanistan. She was also a dedicated single mother to her daughter, Gracie.
Based in Fort Hood, Texas, Young was recognized for her military service and significant presence on Instagram. With over 100,000 followers, she used her platform to champion the cause of mental health for veterans and address homelessness among former soldiers.
Young’s outreach efforts were deeply personal, marked by her voluntary work with people in crisis and her advocacy stemming from her own experiences with mental health challenges.
In September, Young openly discussed her personal connection to mental health struggles, revealing a heart-wrenching family history of suicide. She lost her older brother to suicide when she was just 14 years old. This had a profound impact on her, shaping her advocacy and her call for others to seek help for mental health issues.
Her friends and colleagues hope her death will bring greater attention to the mental health needs of veterans, emphasizing the importance of support and resources for those facing similar battles.
To assist in the aftermath of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page was established to support Young’s daughter, Gracie. The initiative has already raised nearly $48,000.
Her friend, Sarah Maine, who set up the campaign, described Young on the fundraising page as “an amazing friend and a beautiful soul.” She added that it is hard to understand what someone is going through or “what demons they are fighting.”
Her life, marked by bravery, service, and a commitment to helping others, ended too soon, leaving a legacy that calls for greater awareness and support for mental health among veterans.