Update #3 August 16th, 2018 04:08pm:
Huntress guitarist Blake Meahl, who was romantically involved with Janus, has shared the below post regarding her death:
“I dont do much posting of things, and to post on something so personal and painful is extra strange but it feels necessary.
Jill Janus and i spent 9 years together creating a home, having a family and building our passion project Huntress. The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion i have ever experienced.
Baby, I hope you have found the peace that you couldn’t find on this planet. I miss you so much and will always carry a piece of you in my heart. See you on Aldebaran.”
Update #2 August 16th, 2018 01:16pm:
Huntress have issued the following official statement confirming that their frontwoman Jill Janus took her own life this past Tuesday, August 14th. The band said of her passing:
“It is with crushed hearts that we announce that Jill Janus—frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress—passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A long-time sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon. Janus spoke publicly about these challenges in hopes of guiding others to address and overcome their mental illness.
Janus was a truly special creative involved with numerous musical projects including her role as vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands TheStarbreakers and Chelsea Girls. In addition, Janus was co-composer and creator of an upcoming rock opera with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Angus Clark and had a decade-long career as NYC DJ Penelope Tuesdae. Her musical career began in childhood.
Beyond her accomplishments in the music world and her advocacy for mental health issues, she was a beautiful person passionate about her family, animal rescue and the world of natural medicine. She will be missed more than she could have ever known.
If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress.”
Update August 16th, 2018 12:53pm:
The band’s former manager Jackie Kajzer (aka Full Metal Jackie) has since confirmed the news of Janus‘ death to Loudwire.
Original Story:
It is being reported that Huntress frontwoman Jill Janus has died at the age of 43, with her former bandmate Casey Wood sharing the following post via social media:
“I’m in shock and can’t stop crying. My X best friend, singer has left the world. She was the biggest sweetheart and I hope that her Legacy lives on as it should! You were supposed to be on your way back here Jill Janus. I love you I miss you, and my door is still open for you always. Rest in peace my sister.”
While a cause of death has not been confirmed, it is being reported that she passed in an apparent suicide. Janus had been upfront with her struggles with mental illness, publicly revealing a suicide attempt several years ago in addition to discussing her battles with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more.
[via Blabbermouth]
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