A popular teenage TikTok star who rose to relative fame after sharing her everyday life as a farmworker died by suicide after posting a haunting video to her channel.
Caitlyn Loane, 19, was a fourth generation farmer who had accrued tens of thousands of fans on the popular social media app.
Shortly before her death in June 2021, Caitlyn shared an upbeat video with her followers where she lip synced an American country song with the lyrics ‘how far would you drive for the girl of your dreams?’, accompanied by a series of stills of her working on the farm.
The caption of the video read: ‘What about to Tasmania?’
@catieloane
According to tragic reports, Caitlyn died by suicide a few days later, leaving her family devastated.
“She was a lovely, crazy young woman who was an invaluable member of our family,” her grieving father told news outlet Mercury.
Her mother Richele, meanwhile, said that Caitlyn had become an inspiration for female agriculture workers the world over.
“Her smile lit up the room,” her mom said.
“She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty – in some photos she has mud up to her knees.”
@catieloane Who’s driving to Tasmania #womeninag ♬ original sound – hunter paige
Following word of her passing, tributes poured onto Caitlyn’s TikTok channel. The female farmer, who worked at her family’s 600-hectare property as a livestock manager, was known for her passion for cattle.
“Rest in peace gorgeous,” one commenter wrote. “You are an inspiration to many.”
Another said: “We are gonna miss you.”
Just one month prior to her death, Caitlyn was given the opportunity to judge cattle during Agfest Tasmania, described on its website as “a truly unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their quality products, people, brand and services to an ever increasing audience.”
Caitlyn said at the time: “In 2018, I realised 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.
“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.”
@catieloane Day in the life – Sunday Edition #lambmarking ♬ Drunk Driving – Warren Zeiders
Rest in peace, Caitlyn, we hope you’re at peace now.
Always remember that mental health rarely has a face that can be properly seen from the outside. You simply never know what a person is going through.
Please, share this article to say rest in peace to Caitlyn, and to show you support the drive for continued learning and research regarding mental health.
