Model and influencer Niece Waidhofer — who often worked to help her followers through their mental health struggles — died by suicide… TMZ has learned.
Niece’s family tell us, “Sadly, Niece took her own life after a long battle with mental health issues.” The 31-year-old died in Houston, Texas.
Her family say, “She was very open with her followers about her struggles, even wanting to help followers who were also suffering.” We are told that a non-profit organization called “Peace from Niece” will be created in his honor, and the organization will benefit mental health awareness and provide grants for mental illness research.
Niece’s family say she was proud that she wrote all of her Instagram posts herself and took the majority of her photos without a professional photographer.
Regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, law enforcement sources tell us they received a call from a concerned family member last month to check on Niece at his Houston-area residence…and it’s at that time she was discovered.
Waiting for your permission to load Instagram media.
Fans of Waidhofer – who had amassed 4.2 million followers on Instagram – grew concerned when she deleted almost all of her photos from her account… she only left 3 messages. Turns out she did in the weeks leading up to her death.
Her family adds: “The niece was more than her struggles. She was beautiful and kind, sensitive and funny, creative and talented, generous and compassionate, thoughtful and nurturing. Although it is so painful to say goodbye, we are reassured to know that 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.”
TO TEAR APART
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.