Politics
My 600-lb Life’s trans star Destinee Lashaee ‘DEAD’ after revealing ‘suicidal thoughts’ during long mental health battle
MATTHEW Ventress, the first transgender star of My 600-Lb Life, died unexpectedly with his brother confirming the unfortunate news via Facebook on Tuesday.
He appeared on the TLC reality show prior to his transition, known then as Destinee LaShaee.
FacebookMatthew Ventress, the first transgender My 600-Lb Life star, has died[/caption]
Wayne Compton, Matthew’s brother, confirmed the reality star’s death on Tuesday according to The Ashleys Reality Roundup.
In a moving tribute to his brother, he wrote: “I’m sorry bro, I accept you for who you are, I accept every flaw that come with you …
“I’m sorry you felt alone, I’m sorry you felt you had nobody else to turn to, I’m sorry you felt you had no other option.”
Prior to his death, Matthew shared several troubling messages on social media suggesting he was struggling.
Last week, he wrote: “If I was surrounded by all my tears I’d be floating in the ocean.
Then, on Saturday, Matthew shared another sad post, writing: “To everyone who genuinely love and support me I love you and I’m grateful to have touched millions of lives and hearts around the world.
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“Living my life with so much pain for so long I’ve come to realize that God makes no mistakes.
“I’m grateful for my journey and all I’ve been through. I don’t regret a single moment. Love you all.”
THE SHOW
Matthew appeared on Season seven of My 600-Lb Life.
The season aired in 2019.
At the time, Matthew – who, again, had not yet transitioned – weighed in at 669 lbs.
He said on the show: “I’m just 27. I have so much that I want to do and need to do.
“I can’t believe this is my life now. Where I lay here all day and wait for food.”
He went on, speaking about his mental health struggles: “I feel like all I’m constantly doing is trying to escape my depression and paint at this point.
“Food is the only thing I can turn to to do that. I can feel it killing me. There is no way I’m going to survive for much longer.”
After the show, Matthew shed nearly 500 lbs.
He celebrated the accomplishment on social media, sharing a series of transformation photos.
LEGAL DRAMA
He also joined other My 600-Lb. Life stars in suing Megalomedia, the show’s production company.
The legal filing accused producers of negligence, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, fraud, and other offenses.
Matthew claimed he was taken advantage of by producers, and forced to shave his face on camera.
You’re not alone
SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.
There were “more than two and half times as many suicides” in the US than there were homicides, according to the report.
For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the “second leading cause of death” and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.
Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.
This is why The-Sun.com launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.
If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.org, Text HOME to 741741
Veterans Crisis Hotline, www.veteranscrisisline.net, 1-800-273-8255
Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org, 1-866-488-7386
