Huntress singer Jill Janus has died by suicide at the age of 43. You can view the final photo of her taken two days ago below, followed by other recent photos.
Jill’s family and bandmates have released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Jill Janus — frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress — passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A longtime 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 The Starbreakers 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.
“Beyond her accomplishments in the music world and her advocacy for mental health issues, she was a beautiful person passionate about her family, animal rescue and the world of natural medicine. She will be missed more than she could have ever known.
“If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress.”
Jill wrote on Instagram July 6th, “I’ve been enjoying my summer as a farmhand, calf wrangler and reborn badass. This sweet little lady is a 2 day old Scottish Highlander calf who was lost alongside a brook. Suffering from fly strike (I’ll let ya google it), I injected her with medicine and hauled her outta the brook on a sheet with Ms. Kathy of Burn Ayr Farm. She’s healthy and spunky, now appropriately named Brook by my sister Sonia.
I’ve posted these photos after receiving several ‘Are you ok?’ messages from friends and Huntress fans. Yes, I am ok. I’m just busy being covered in baby cow poop and maggots..”
