Who was Caitlyn Loane? TikTok star, 19, who documented life as young farmer, dies by suicide
An Australian TikTok Star died by suicide at the age of 19. While the date of her passing has not been reported, the woman’s father confirmed her sudden death in a statement on Thursday, July 8, saying: "She was a lovely, crazy young woman who was an invaluable member of our family. Words can't describe our loss."
A fourth-generation farmer who rose to fame documenting her life working in northern Tasmania's agriculture industry on TikTok, her final video on the platform to her 51,000 followers on June 27 was reportedly a photo montage set to a song asking, “How far would you drive for the girl of your dreams?” In the caption, she wrote, “How about to Tasmania?” Her family did not share why she took her own life.
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Who was Caitlyn Loane?
Caitlyn worked as a livestock manager at her parent’s 1,400 acres [2.3 square-miles] cattle farm. The 19-year-old wanted to manage the farm when she got older. Discussing her farming career with TasWeekend magazine during Agfest Tasmania (which takes place in May), where she was involved in cattle judging, Caitlyn described how she recognized a traditional college wasn’t a good fit for her.
“In 2018, I realized that school wasn’t giving me the skills and experience I needed, so I applied to the Sunday Creek Cattle Station, in the Northern Territory, so I could gain experience and learn more,” she said. “Up there the properties are huge, and they muster with helicopters and on horseback. It was character building, and I had to adopt a great work ethic which I apply to my own enterprise here at home.”
“Her smile lit up the room,” Caitlyn’s mother, Richele Loane, told reporters. “She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty -- in some photos, she has mud up to her knees.” Richele also said that Caitlyn had become an inspiration to young female agriculture workers around the world and will be remembered for her “nurturing and caring nature.”
Caitlyn, who was also an Australian Football League player and represented the Devonport Football Club, was remembered by her sporting colleagues. The club’s Facebook page released a statement that said, “It is with deep sadness and regret that the Devonport Football Club acknowledges the sudden passing of one of our female players, Caitlyn Loane.”
“The Board, the members, players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters of the Devonport Football Club convey our sincere condolences and warmest thoughts to Caitlyn’s family and friends, which, of course, includes her teammates in the DFC Senior Women’s team,” the statement said. “The past week has put into context what really matters in life, and has reminded us all that football, as unifying as it is, is just a game after all. The priority of the Devonport Football Club at present is to provide an empathetic, supportive network to all associated with the club, with particular focus on those most affected by the tragic passing of Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn’s father, Phillip Loane speaking to reporters, said that "every day should be 'R U OK?' Day" -- a national day of action in Australia, aimed at sparking conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.