Beloved gay YouTuber Tai Couture commits suicide
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tai Couture (@mrtaicouture) on
A popular gay YouTuber and LGBTQ influencer has passed away from suicide.
Tai Couture, whose real name was Tyree Williams, took his own life last Thursday. Williams was known for his work as a hairstylist and makeup artist, though he also talked quite a bit about his battle with depression, as well.
After the suicide of 15-year-old Nigel Shelby, a ninth-grader who took his own life earlier this year after being bullied for being gay, Couture wrote an emotional Facebook post about his own struggles.
“My heart mourns for the pain, torment, and loneliness this baby felt preceding his suicide,” he wrote. “My suicide attempt was only a little over a year ago when I cut my wrist with a knife and was hospitalized.”
“Although bullying wasn’t my trigger I know firsthand how it feels to be desperate for the hurt to end. I pray for Nigel’s family, friends, and the LGBTQ community. May the world continue to spread more unconditional love and not hate.”
In 2016, Williams posted a video about a near-fatal car crash that he said may have caused his depression. He also talked about how he made it through that difficult period in his life.
Since the news of his death broke, fans and followers have taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness.
#TaiCouture was such an inspiration in our community…he was so open about every experience in his life. He was always engaging and caring with every person he met. He gave so much of his life so we owe it to him to honor his life & help others struggling w/ suicidal thoughts
— John McCain’s Daughter (@JudasAffiliated) November 3, 2019
Just hearing about Tai Couture’s death. This saddens me. We met when we were young. You had long beautiful hair. You were simply a very beautiful person. Even though we grew apart I was always proud of your accomplishments. Tyree, you will be missed and I’ll never forget you. pic.twitter.com/A1MmC1vMrM
— Kevin Simmons (@TheSkorpion) November 1, 2019
Wow just heard the news about Tai Couture. Loved his content and him as a person. I have literally been checking his YouTube once a week to see if he would upload :/
— adaora colours (@GodfatherAdaora) November 5, 2019
Rest in Power Tai Couture pic.twitter.com/MiSqKgETOn
— Savoire Faire (@JSavoire) November 1, 2019
RIP Tai Couture. I only knew him through Youtube, but he touched my life with his joy, truth-telling, and lewks.
— A M (@anne_m_mitchell) November 4, 2019
This week, Williams’ family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his funeral. So far, it has raised over $5,500.
