Vanessa Barrett: Fans mourn sudden death of trans influencer who devoted her life to helping people with HIV
MIAMI, FLORIDA: The shocking news of the sudden demise of a trans influencer has sent shockwaves across the trans community. Many took to social media to mourn the loss of Vanessa Vincenzo Barrett, who was said to be active on her TikTok and Instagram accounts until three days ago, shortly before the news of her death emerged.
Barrett was actively involved with CAN Community, which describes itself as a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the treatment, care, and continual wellness of people living with HIV. The tragic influencer was actively posting online until two days ago, and the reason behind her death remains a mystery at the time.
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'Vanessa will be deeply missed'
The news of Barrett's demise was confirmed by the CAN Community, who shared their condolences on Twitter. "CAN Community Health extends our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of Vanessa Vincenzo Barrett. She believed in our mission with her whole heart and equally loved each member of our Phoenix prevention team. Vanessa will be deeply missed by all of us," they wrote.
CAN Community Health extends our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of Vanessa Vincenzo Barrett.
— CAN Community Health (@CANCommHealth) April 24, 2023
She believed in our mission with her whole heart and equally loved each member of our Phoenix prevention team.
Vanessa will be deeply missed by all of us. pic.twitter.com/F73MoDzRix
Barrett was reportedly a brand ambassador for CAN Community Health. Moreover, according to her Instagram bio, she was also passionate about live singing, entertainment, and drag shows. The influencer had over 2,000 followers on Instagram and more than 71,000 on TikTok.
'My heart is broken, fly high'
Barrett's sudden passing left her fans and followers in a state of disbelief. The popular social media figure had quite a sizeable and loyal following who couldn't get enough of her gripping content. As expected, her unexpected death triggered an outpouring of grief across the trans community, including from fellow influencers who knew her.
"Please say it isn’t true. I followed for you so long on TikTok and I was so happy for your beautiful journey," one fan wrote on one of her Instagram posts. "My heart is broken, fly high," another added. "You will be missed for your positive attitude and kind soul. Will be forever in my heart thank you," someone else offered.
Some commenters, who said they knew her personally, also posted tributes. "Baby girl, my Italian sister, I'm gonna miss you. Please rest in peace. I love you," one wrote. "Breaks my godddddd damn heart...I will always love her. We dated years ago before her true journey started. She will always have a special place w me," another added.
The cause of Barrett's death is yet to be established, but her fans were understandably upset after learning about her untimely demise. The social media personality was known for making videos about fashion, nails, and wigs, as well as health-related content in collaboration with the CAN Community. She was also a passionate advocate for the trans community and a lot of her content was about LGBTQ+ issues, also teaching people how they could prevent getting infected with HIV and other STDs.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.