Jill Janus, singer of metal band Huntress, has died aged 43
Huntress singer Jill Janus has died at the age of 43.
The frontwoman of the heavy metal group battled with mental illness for a number of years. Now, her family have confirmed that the singer killed herself earlier this week near Portland, Oregon.
“It is with crushed hearts that we announce that Jill Janus—frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress—passed away on Tuesday, August 14”, the band confirmed in a Facebook post.
“A long-time sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon. Janus spoke publicly about these challenges in hopes of guiding others to address and overcome their mental illness.
“Janus was a truly special creative involved with numerous musical projects including her role as vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands TheStarbreakers and Chelsea Girls.
“In addition, Janus was co-composer and creator of an upcoming rock opera with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Angus Clark and had a decade-long career as NYC DJ Penelope Tuesdae. Her musical career began in childhood.”
Blake Meahl, he Huntress bandmate and boyfriend, said: “The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion I have ever experienced.”
“I hope you have found the peace that you couldn’t find on this planet”.
For anybody who might be struggling to deal with mental health issues, here are some helpline numbers for you to talk to:
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and OCD. Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD. Includes a helpline.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am-10pm)
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
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