Cashleigh Savannah Gruell was a 20-year-old artist from Las Vegas, Nevada, who died by suicide on December 2, 2022. She was a talented painter and tattoo artist, who expressed herself through art and humor. She was also a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, who touched many lives with her kindness and compassion. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
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The Trauma That Haunted Her
Cashleigh had a difficult childhood, as she was sexually abused by a male relative when she was eight years old. The abuse was so traumatic that she blocked it out for many years, until she started remembering it in high school. She confided in her mother, Lana Gruell, who tried to find her a therapist to help her cope with the pain. However, finding a suitable therapist was not easy, as Lana told Daily Mail.
Cashleigh struggled with depression and anxiety, and attempted suicide twice before: once on Thanksgiving Day in 2021 and again on January 3, 2022. After these attempts, her family removed any items that she could use to harm herself from her room, locked medications and supplements in a safe, and tracked her location on her phone. They hoped that these measures would prevent her from taking her own life.
The Day She Said Goodbye
On December 2, 2022, Cashleigh seemed to be in a good mood. She had breakfast with her mother and stepfather, Emmett Taylor III, and joked with them. She then went to her room to work on some paintings that she had sold online. Lana checked on her daughter several times throughout the day, and saw that she was busy with her art. Lana thought that Cashleigh was doing well, and felt proud of her.
However, later that evening, Lana discovered the horrifying truth. She found Cashleigh’s lifeless body in her room, along with a note that said “I’m sorry”. Cashleigh had used a gun that belonged to her stepfather, which he had hidden in his closet. Lana was shocked and devastated by the sight of her daughter’s death. She called 911 and tried to perform CPR on Cashleigh, but it was too late.
The Legacy She Left Behind
Cashleigh’s death was mourned by many people who knew her personally or through her art. Her family published an obituary in the Review Journal, where they described her as “the light of their life” and “an old soul”. They also shared some of the things that Cashleigh loved, such as music, animals, camping, boating, and gardening. They said that Cashleigh’s deep and vibrant soul was best felt and understood when viewing her art pieces.
Cashleigh’s friends also paid tribute to her on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. They remembered her as a genuine, creative, open-minded, and funny person who made everyone around her better humans. They also shared some of the artworks that Cashleigh had made for them or with them, showing her unique style and talent.
Cashleigh’s mother has also taken to TikTok to video journal her journey through grief. She said that she wanted to share her story because she wanted to prevent another person’s death by suicide. She also wanted to celebrate Cashleigh’s life and honor her memory.
The Message She Wanted To Spread
Cashleigh was not ashamed of her mental health struggles. She openly talked about them on social media platforms such as TikTok. She also used her art as a way of expressing her emotions and coping with her trauma. She wanted to inspire others who were going through similar challenges to seek help and find hope.
Cashleigh also wanted to raise awareness about the issue of sexual abuse and its impact on children’s mental health. She wanted to expose the perpetrator who had harmed her when she was young, and hold him accountable for his actions. She wanted to empower other survivors of sexual abuse to speak up and heal from their wounds.
Cashleigh’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health care and support for people who are suffering from depression and trauma. It is also a call for action to prevent sexual abuse and protect children from its devastating consequences. Cashleigh’s life may have been cut short, but her voice will not be silenced. Her art will live on as a testament of her courage and creativity.
