Former Playboy Model Ashley Mattingly Dies by Suicide at 33
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Former Playboy model Ashley Mattingly has died by suicide at the age of 33, according to People. People said Mattingly’s brother and sister confirmed she died on April 16 in Texas.
“We learned late Thursday night that it is believed that our dear sister with a larger-than-life personality took her own life,” William and Christy Mattingly told People. “Ashley moved closer to home a couple years ago and was living in Austin. It’s maybe no secret that Ashley struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, but she wanted to and was working toward getting better.”
Hey guys alot of people have reached out about my twin and rockstar/BeautyQueen. So i would like to take this time, out…
Posted by Billy Mattingly on Sunday, April 19, 2020
Mattingly was a Playboy model and was featured as Playboy‘s Miss March in 2011. In addition to struggling with substance use, Mattingly also survived domestic violence. Her ex-boyfriend, Lane Garrison, was convicted in 2012.
“Our hope is that Ashley’s story can continue to shed a light on suicide awareness and prevention,” William and Christy concluded their statement.
I am devastated. My friend #ashleymattingly took her own life. If you are struggling please reach out for help. She was only 33 RIP #playmatesister ???????????? pic.twitter.com/P560nV73Ap
— Carrie Stevens (@CarrieStevensXO) April 20, 2020
If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who feel suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
Header image via Glenn Francis/www.PacificProDigital.com
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
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