The true crime documentary Audrie & Daisy followed the stories of young women who were not only raped by fellow high school students, but further mocked online about the traumatic event by their peers. One of the main stories centered around Audrie Pott, who committed suicide shortly after enduring the taunts of her schoolmates. Daisy Coleman lived on to tell her story in the documentary, beginning a difficult journey of healing.
Unfortunately, Daisy Coleman was found dead in her apartment this August. The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, close on the heels of a harassment suit she filed after months of fearing for her life at the hands of a stalker. She was only 23 years old.
Daisy's mother, Melinda Coleman was found dead on the evening of December 6th. Her passing has also been ruled a suicide. In relation to her daughter's passing, she's been quoted as saying:
“She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could live without her. I can’t. I wish I could have taken the pain from her! She never recovered from what those boys did to her and it’s just not fair. My baby girl is gone.”
The Coleman's lives have been wracked by a string of tragedies. Daisy was only 14-years-old when she was raped in 2012. After accusing her rapists, the family was run from their home by a backlash which included suspicious fire damage to their home. Daisy's brother Tristan died in a car accident in 2018—a loss which mirrored her father, Michael's, death in 2009.
However, the Coleman's have also exhibited great strength and love during their time on this Earth. Daisy and Melissa advocated for sexual assault survivors nationwide. Daisy co-founded SafeBAE, a non-profit organization aimed at ending sexual violence in schools. She persevered through her PTSD to become a tattoo artist and model. Meanwhile, Melinda was a dedicated veterinarian, a talented bodybuilder, and a caring mother.
The deaths of Daisy and Melinda Coleman is a bout of heartbreaking news for the many women and girls who looked up to their incredible courage during such turbulent trials.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek help or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you know is a victim of rape or sexual abuse, contact the authorities, seek support, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
