How did Laney Chantal die? 'Face Off' fame celebrity makeup artist, 33, was battling mental health issues
MILFORD, MICHIGAN: A former reality TV star and celebrity make-up artist died at the young age of 33 this week due to an accidental drug overdose. Alaina Chantal Parkhurst, popularly known as Laney Chantal died on Monday, October 31, in Milford, Michigan, her family confirmed in a public obituary. The family wrote that she had “struggled with various mental illnesses throughout her adult life.”
After appearing on the SyFy Network’s 'Face Off' competition show in 2013 for its fifth season, Chantal who was a famous FX makeup artist and mask designer rose to prominence. She earned the fifth spot after she voluntarily withdrew from the reality show about special-effects makeup artists. Chantal worked with several big-name stars including Bella Thorne and Marilyn Manson, following her appearance on the show. She even created the 'Head FX Makeup' for rapper Lil Nas X for his controversial music video 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' in 2021. It won the Video of the Year award at MTV’s VMAs, as per the public obituary.
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Chantal was remembered as a “sister and soulmate” by fellow makeup artist Gabriella Accarino. “She was a genuine, sensitive, talented, and beautiful soul,” Accarino wrote. “Laney’s art and her spirit are irreplaceable, and she made the world a better place. She was truly one of a kind.”
After graduating high school in 2007, Chantal moved from Michigan to Los Angeles to attend the Cinema Makeup School. There, she earned a certification to become a special effects makeup artist. “Alaina put her whole self; body, mind and soul into her jobs, no matter the size,” her obituary said. “Her artistic ability and visions quickly set her apart from other artists in her field and her portfolio blossomed.”
According to Sportskeeda, Laney launched a GoFundMe page to collect funds to join a sober living facility in 2019. However, the GoFundMe page only succeeded in raising $1,661 of its $4,000 goal. She wrote at that time, "I realize that my life has become unmanageable and even with the help of my out patient rehab, I still feel like I need extra support.”
No other details related to her death were released other than it was due to “an accidental drug overdose”, which was revealed by her family members. Chantal posted a photo on Instagram of a pink coffin being buried, six months before her tragic death. The Parkhurst family asked for contributions to be made to The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, citing the struggles their daughter had to endure with mental health throughout her life.