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Netflix teen 'rape victim' Daisy Coleman dead at 23

Netflix star Daisy Coleman has died at the age of 23 by suicide, almost 10 years after she was allegedly raped at a house party as a teen.

Daisy’s mother, Melinda Moeller Coleman, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Wednesday, saying that her daughter ‘never recovered’ after the reported sexual assault.

Daisy posted this selfie to her Facebook in April 2019. Photo: Facebook/catherine.coleman.378.
Daisy posted this selfie to her Facebook in April 2019. Photo: Facebook/catherine.coleman.378.

“She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make make it seem like I could live without her. I can’t. I wish I could have taken the pain from her,” she added, saying her “baby girl is gone”.

Daisy was one of several people featured in the 2016 documentary, Audrie & Daisy, which focussed on the traumatic aftermath of dealing with sexual assault.

Daisy claimed she was raped on January 8, 2012, in Missouri, US, but no one was ever convicted. In the doco, she opened up about the backlash she received from her community after coming forward.

Audrie Pott, whose story was also featured in the doco, died by suicide 10 days after she was allegedly assaulted in September 2012.

After the doco aired, Daisy co-founded an organisation called SafeBae which aims to ‘prevent sexual assault in middle and high school through consent education and student awareness about their rights’.

Daisy and her mother, Melinda, in 2019. Photo: Facebook/catherine.coleman.378.
Daisy and her mother, Melinda, in 2019. Photo: Facebook/catherine.coleman.378.

In 2019, Daisy spoke to Inked about her ‘fresh start’ working as a tattoo artist in Colorado as well as her plans for the future.

“I think in one, five, and even 10 years, I’ll still be focusing on how to grow as an artist. I don’t think I’ll ever be amazing enough to stop learning and thriving, and that’s all I can really ask for in this life,” she told the publication.

On Thursday morning, the SafeBae Twitter account addressed Daisy’s passing by releasing a statement ‘so that we can all remember her for the legacy of her work’.

“We are shattered and shocked by her passing from suicide. She had been in EMDR therapy for 2 years, working on her triggers and healing from the many traumas in her life. She had many coping demons and had been facing and overcoming them all, but as many of you know, healing is not a straight path or any easy one. She fought longer and harder than we will ever know. But we want to be mindful of all the young survivors who looked up to her. Please know that above ALL ELSE, she did this work for you,” the message read.

The hashtag ‘#fordaisy’ has since began trending on Twitter, with users sharing their grief over Daisy’s passing along with tributes to all she achieved through her advocacy work.

Photo: Twitter.
Photo: Twitter.
Photo: Twitter.
Photo: Twitter.
Photo: Twitter.
Photo: Twitter.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

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