A rural Tasmanian community is in mourning after 19-year-old farmer and TikToker Caitie Loane tragically took her own life, The Mercury reports.
Loane had become a bit of a TikTok star in recent months, with over 55,000 followers and over 750,000 likes on the app.
The fourth-generation farmer was following in her father’s footsteps on the family property in Latrobe, Tasmania, and that’s exactly what her videos highlighted to the rest of the world. Think cattle, crops and country music.
“She was a lovely, crazy young woman who was an invaluable member of our family,” her father Phillip Loane told The Mercury on Thursday.
He described his daughter as someone whose “smile lit up the room” and who “wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty”.
The comments section of Loane’s last TikTok – posted on June 27 – has been inundated with touching tributes over the past couple of days.
In the video, the teen lipsynced the line “how far would you drive for the girl of your dreams” before writing: “How about Tasmania?”
@catieloaneWho’s driving to Tasmania ##womeninag♬ original sound – hunter paige
“Bless you Caitlyn, you always made me smile, now rest in peace,” commented one person.
“What a horrible loss,” another commenter wrote.
“May heaven be filled with plenty of farm animals to keep you happy, Caitlyn. If anyone is in despair please ask for help. So sad.”
@catieloaneSee how this goes ##cauliflower ##ausfarmers ##tasmanianproduce♬ original sound – Catie Loane
Loane’s AFL club also posted a tribute to her on Facebook.
“The Board, the members, players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters of the Devonport Football Club convey our sincere condolences and warmest thoughts to Caitlyn’s family and friends, which, of course, includes her teammates in the DFC Senior Women’s team,” the Devonport Football Club wrote.
“The past week has put into context what really matters in life, and has reminded us all that football, as unifying as it is, is just a game after all.”
Loane’s death has left everyone around her shocked and in despair.
Her father told The Mercury: “Every day should be RU OK? Day.”
If you need mental health support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
You can also reach the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or chat online.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
