Michelle Young, a 34-year-old US Army Staff Sergeant and well-known fitness influencer, tragically died by suicide last week, shocking her friends, followers, and family. Young, who served 16 years in the military, was more than just a soldier; she was a devoted single mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Gracie.
Described by friends as an "amazing friend" and a "beautiful soul," Young had a notable presence on Instagram, where she shared snapshots of her life with over 100,000 followers. From modeling apparel for Curves N Combatboots to advocating for better mental health treatment for veterans, her influence extended well beyond the military community.
"Michelle was a beautiful soul, an amazing friend, a single mother, a soldier, and is proof you never know what someone is going through or what demons they may be fighting," wrote her friend Sarah Maine on a heartfelt GoFundMe page dedicated to Young.
It was just days before her death that Young shared a touching birthday message to Gracie on Instagram. "Happy birthday to the sweetest girl I’ve ever known," she wrote. "The best part about my life is being your momma." This post, like many others on her Instagram, illustrated the close bond between mother and daughter.
Despite outward appearances of a fulfilling life filled with travel, career success, and a loving family, Young struggled with mental health issues. In September, during Suicide Prevention Week, she shared the emotional toll of losing her older brother to suicide when she was 14, urging those in distress to seek help.
Her friends, followers, and the entire military community remain grasping for answers. "From the outside looking in it looked like she had it all," Maine wrote in another post, highlighting the invisible struggles that many face. "Mental illness is so prevalent especially in the military. We need to find a way to do better."
The loss of Young has prompted an outpouring of support, with nearly $25,000 raised on GoFundMe for her daughter Gracie. The fund aims to provide for Gracie's needs following her mother's untimely death.
The tragic event underscores a broader issue within the military community, where mental health struggles are often silently endured. "The Arizona National Guard is deeply saddened by Young’s death," said Capt. Erin Hannigan, a spokesperson for the Arizona Guard. Young served as an aviation operations noncommissioned officer and deployed to the Middle East in 2021.
Anyone contemplating suicide or knowing someone in distress is urged to seek assistance by contacting the Military/Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and pressing 1 when prompted. Young's life and untimely death serve as a stark reminder of the unseen battles many face and the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in the military.