A popular U.S. Army servicewoman who is recognized as a fitness and fashion influencer on Instagram has passed away by suicide. The unfortunate incident occurred in Prescott, Arizona, on January 17, 2024. The 34-year-old Army National Guard member left behind a 12-year-old daughter.
Before her passing, Staff Sgt. Michelle Young was assigned to the 98th Aviation Troop Command. She served in the Army for 16 years, mainly as an aviation operations noncommissioned officer. According to the Arizona Guard spokeswoman, Capt. Erin Hannigan, “Young was a valued member of our team, known for her dedication and impact on our organization.”
Curves N Combatboots is a women’s activewear business that Young regularly promotes on her page. Following her demise, the owner of the company, Sarah Maine, and her husband, Elijah Maine, started a GoFundMe page in memory of SSG Young. They intend to raise donations for 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. Michelle was a beautiful soul, an amazing friend, a single mother, a soldier, and it is proof that you never know what someone is going through or what demons they may be fighting. We will never fill the gaps in our hearts and will always be left with questions why,” friend Sarah Maine wrote on Young’s GoFundMe page.
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The GoFundMe page has a $50,000 goal and has reached more than 90% of the goal. Young’s Instagram page has more than 100,000 followers. Her account featured photos of various things and activities, such as travel, fashion, ice skating, snowboarding, and swimming. Young also campaigned for improved mental health services for U.S. veterans and shared photos of herself in uniform and with her daughter.
“Michelle is survived by her daughter Gracie, who was her whole world. NOTHING can replace her mother, but the purpose of this is to help her daughter Gracie with anything she may need. We know Michelle would appreciate us all looking out for her now,” the GoFundMe page read.
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“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.”
According to The New York Post, Young enlisted into the Army when she was about 18 years old. She had completed two tours in Afghanistan. Additionally, a couple of days before she passed away, Young posted a picture to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. “Happy birthday to the sweetest girl I’ve ever known,” she wrote. “The best part about my life is being your momma.”
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Interestingly, Young had posted a video on her Instagram page, where she opened up about losing her brother to suicide at the age of 14. She described her brother as her protector and her first best friend. She wrote, “That day forever changed my life, but it also created a passion for helping others.”
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