We all assume celebrities have the perfect lives, courted by fame, wealth and adored by fans, but the reality is often very jarring. Despite the fame, these stars struggle with depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and worse, not immune to taking a harsh step: committing suicide.
Although, losing a loved one to suicide is an emotionally devastating experience to go through, but when a celebrity commits suicide, it is not just their family but the entire world that is left shocked and felt betrayed.
Here is the list of stars who took this extreme step to end their life:
Kate Spade
The 55-year-old designer was found dead of an apparent suicide in her New York apartment on June 5, 2018. Kate shot to global catwalk fame with her signature bags. She was found by her housekeeper at a 10.20am local time.
Anthony Bourdain
Celebrity Chef and television host used the belt of his hotel bathrobe to hang himself in the bathroom of his French hotel room. He was found by a close friend and French chef, Eric Ripert. The 61-year-old star of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown show was filming for an episode in the area.
Chris Cornell
Lead vocalist of Soundgarden was found unconscious by his bodyguard in the bathroom of his hotel room in Detroit on May 18, 2017, after performing at a show with Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre. He was 52 years old. The cause of death was determined to be suicide by hanging, but Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell blamed Ativan for the singer’s death, stating that Cornell would not intentionally take his own life.
Chester Bennington
The news of Linkin Park frontman’s suicide shook the world in 2017. The 41-year-old American songwriter killed himself by hanging on 20 July, in Los Angeles County. Bennington was scheduled to attend a photo shoot with his Linkin Park bandmates. A few hours later, he was found by a housekeeper with a belt around his neck.
Kurt Cobain
The legendary Nirvana frontman left behind his wife, child and adoring fans at a young age of 27. Cobain died in his Seattle home on April 8, 1994, after he shot himself in the head on 5 April. A suicide note, found near Kurt’s body, was addressed to his imaginary friend Boddah and had messages for his wife, daughter and fans.
Jiah Khan
Bollywood actor Jiah Khan was found hanging from her ceiling fan in her Juhu apartment in Mumbai on June 3, 2013, at just 25 years old. Later, a six-page letter was found in Jiah’s apartment, which detailed her tumultuous relationship with Sooraj Pancholi.
Alexander McQueen
The British fashion designer hanged himself in his wardrobe and left a suicide note on 11 February 2010. The 40 years old revered designer, who had dressed stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Rihanna, killed himself nine days after the death of his mother. He had expressed his devastation at her death on Twitter days before he killed himself.
Pratyusha Banerjee
Gone too soon! Balika Vadhu actress was found hanging from the ceiling of her Bangur Nagar house in Mumbai’s Kandivali area on April 1, 2016. She was just 24 years old. Her body was first discovered by her boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh–who then rushed her to Kokilaben Hospital, where she was declared dead.
Robin Williams
Beloved actor, comedian, and Oscar winner Robin Williams ended his life in August 2014 by hanging himself with a belt at his home in Paradise Cay, California at the age of 63. The Chicago-born star took the step after being misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s and falling into a state of depression.
Where to get help
While these celebrities are gone too soon, we urge you to give life another chance. If you are depressed talk to someone about it and get help. Here are a few helpline numbers:
For India call Aasra – 91-22-27546669, E-mail – aasrahelpline@yahoo.com
From Canada or US: Contact the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Test Line by texting HOME to 741741
If you are in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116123
