The death of YouTube personality and VH1 host Stevie Ryan came as a shock to begin the week, placing a little bit of sadness right in the middle of the holiday weekend. While it was easy not to know who Ryan was given today’s splintered media, her death by suicide at 33 is a hard pill to swallow. Not only is that too young, it also once again bucks the notion that success makes up for depression and mental illness. It comes in various forms and one path isn’t always the best path for another person, something Ryan would know as an advocate for mental health. This isn’t new and we’re certainly a broken record on the subject at times, but Ryan’s death is just the latest reminder.
As shocking as it was for someone on the outside, the loss seems to have hit those who admired and were close to Ryan throughout her short career. One of the most visible was ex-boyfriend Drake Bell, who shared his shock at the news online and called the news a “nightmare”:
No no no!!!! I can NOT BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!! Please wake me from this nightmare @StevieRyan I loved you and will forever miss you! pic.twitter.com/hNFvM6tDpW
— DrakeBell.ethᵍᵐ (@DrakeBell) July 3, 2017
This is too much. My heart is crushed. @StevieRyan I love you and miss you…https://t.co/4lTLnVRIXo
— DrakeBell.ethᵍᵐ (@DrakeBell) July 3, 2017
Ryan’s podcast co-host Kristen Carney also shared her disbelief at the news while paying tribute to the late personality:
RIP @StevieRyan 💔❤️💔The coolest girl I've ever known.
— Kristen Carney (@KristenCarney) July 3, 2017
And even Perez Hilton shared a kind word for Ryan, dropping the sarcasm he’s become known for online to share a touching word and parody video he worked on with the YouTube star and mental health advocate:
My heart is in my stomach, hearing the devastating news about @StevieRyan. I just mentioned her the other day! https://t.co/Jk8GFVODAA
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) July 3, 2017
Me and @StevieRyan as #LittleLoca. October 2007. Sending so much light to her loves ones. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yliaPCn8a1
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) July 3, 2017
Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything also had some kind words for Ryan, noting that she helped him get his first writing job in television. Superstore writer Vanessa Ramos also shared some kind words, urging those dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts to seek help:
.@StevieRyan gave me my first TV writing job. A great talent and human being, gone too soon. ❤️
— Adam Conover (@adamconover) July 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/thatRamosgirl/status/881749038810357760
Several other famous names pitched in to share kinds thoughts and tributes about Ryan, include some of her fellow YouTube stars:
https://twitter.com/jaymohr37/status/881956036088709120
https://twitter.com/buckhollywood/status/881869565495582721
Rest In Peace Stevie Ryan
— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) July 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChrisCrocker/status/881772060741173249
Stevie Ryan is no longer with us. I love her very deeply and I regret every moment I didn't spend with her. pic.twitter.com/Xt0yt146OS
— Benji Aflalo (@benjiaflalo) July 3, 2017
I'm so sad to hear about @StevieRyan I just talked to her about battling depression & she told me how proud she was of @CatelynnLowell 😔#RIP
— Tyler Baltierra (@TylerBaltierra) July 3, 2017
Please be respectful during this sensitive time. @StevieRyan's fans, friends & family know what an amazing human she is. She's deeply missed
— Jessicka Addams 🐈⬛🌈 (@Jessicka) July 3, 2017
So sad… #pleasegethelp #seekoutsomeone https://t.co/818PjksOpX
— Catelynn Baltierra (@CatelynnLowell) July 3, 2017
So sad to hear of the passing of @StevieRyan. She was one of the 1st people I met in LA and she'll be missed.
— Rhett McLaughlin | MUSIC: James and the Shame (@rhettmc) July 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/WWEAleister/status/881938749512437761
I am devastated, my heart is broken…rest n peace Stevie Ryan
— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) July 3, 2017
#rip Stevie Ryan
— Kailyn Lowry (@KailLowry) July 3, 2017
Rest In Peace beautiful @StevieRyan pic.twitter.com/NYmCUSws4D
— Syd the Kid 🕷️ (@SydneyREDtaylor) July 3, 2017
Sad to hear about passing of Stevie Ryan."Little Loca" was OG Youtube.
If you're battling depression, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help.
— Ian Hecox (@SmoshIan) July 3, 2017
So saddened by the news of @StevieRyan
Please, please never be afraid to ask for help, it's not embarassing or shameful. Take care of you— Brittany Furlan Lee (@BrittanyFurlan) July 3, 2017
So sad to hear the news about Stevie Ryan…I grew up watching her 😢❤️ you will be missed
— Lia (@sssniperwolf) July 3, 2017
So sad to see the news about @StevieRyan 😔
— Chelsea DeBoer (@ChelseaHouska) July 3, 2017
It’s a sad end for someone who clearly touched a lot of people in a short amount of time. If one thing is clear, it’s a moment to know you that there’s no shame in seeking help. If you’re feeling trapped or desperate, get assistance and don’t wait for it to get worse.
