Model and social media star Niece Waidhofer dead by suicide at 31

A charity is due to be set up in her honour

Model and influencer Niece Waidhofer has died by suicide at the age of 31 after a "long battle with mental health," her family have said. Waidhofer, who had 4.2m followers on Instagram, often worked with her followers to help them with their mental health struggles. She was found dead at her Houston residence after a concerned family member called police to check on her. The model had deleted all but three posts from her account in the weeks before her passing. Her family told TMZ: "Sadly, Niece took her own life after a long battle with mental health issues. "She was very open with her followers about her struggles, even wanting to help followers who also suffered." https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbht9HduDhj/?hl=en They said that she took pride in the fact that she wrote all of her Instagram posts herself and didn't use a professional photographer in the majority of her posts. Her family continued: "Niece was more than her struggles. She was beautiful and kind, sensitive and funny, creative and talented, generous and compassionate, thoughtful and challenging. "While it is so very painful to say goodbye, we take comfort knowing she is reunited with her father, her three grandparents, her Uncle Rusty, and her beloved Puff; and that she is now free to be herself and, finally, at peace." A non-profit organisation called "Peace from Niece" will be established in her honor, and will raise awareness of mental health issues and provide grants for mental illness research. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health head to thecalmzone.net for practical tips and advice. You can also talk to Samaritans 24/7 by calling 116 123 for free or visiting the Samaritans website. Alternatively, you can find more information and advice on the NHS website. Related links:

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