Actress and model Stefanie Sherk died by suicide, it has been confirmed.
Earlier this week, Stefanie’s husband, Oscar nominee Demián Bichir, confirmed in a devastating Instagram update that the Canadian star had died, at the age of 37.
After the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that Stefanie had taken her own life, Demián posted another statement on Instagram to confirm this was the case.
He wrote: “Dear friends, When a young person dies at a hospital in the US, the possibility of becoming an instant coroner’s case is very high. A coroner’s investigation is then conducted to determine the cause of death so it can be stated on the death certificate. This information then becomes of public domain.
“The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has completed the investigation regarding my wife’s death and have made the results public. It is with courage, dignity and love for our Stefanie, that we confirm such information.”
Demián continued: “It was our hope that we would have some time to heal and grieve before we could talk about this issue that affects way too many people around the globe. This is a serious and, in many cases like ours, an invisible affliction that corners human beings in a terrifying and dark place.
“Depression has taken the lives of so many beautiful, wonderful, talented people such as my beloved wife, Stefanie. The nightmare that we have been through over the last several days will only be eased if we succeed in taking our pain and sorrow out into the world as an important message of awareness so, hopefully, other lives can be saved.
“Many things will be addressed, I promise, from how mysteriously the human mind works, to how terribly our health system fails. How the intricate paths in the acting career are sorted out by all of us, actors. And how, right in the middle of this emotional tornado, we were also able to find incredibly compassionate and talented doctors, nurses, social workers, paramedics, police officers and the sympathy of other human beings suffering similar pain.”
He added: “I will talk more about this experience as soon as the days go by and we heal. But for now, allow me please to just focus on two matters:
“One: Stefanie was an extraordinary daughter, a generous loving sister, a smart and funny friend, a dignified, elegant and talented actor and a compassionate human. She was the perfect woman for me. My soul mate. My best friend. She made me better in every sense. I fell under her gorgeous spell ever since I laid eyes on her for the first time. And that was the same effect she caused on everybody who had the fortune to know her.
“And Two: Our dear families and I are devastated by this powerful event that have changed our lives forever. We respectfully ask once again for your understanding in allowing us to grieve in peace and privacy in this sad and difficult times. Any statements regarding this matter will be issued here.
“We want to thank you all for your loving support your words of encouragement and solidarity. Stefanie’s life and legacy were way bigger and more wonderful than what made her leave us so early. We love you deeply, Stefanie Sherk.”
During her acting career, Stefanie appeared in minor roles in films like Valentine’s Day and Star Power, as well as the web series #Hashtag: The Series.
In 2016, she starred opposite her husband in the romantic drama Un Cuento De Circo & A Love Song, the Spanish/English romantic drama which marked his directorial debut.
She also wrote the short films Big Date and The Sister.
Stefanie – who was the stepmother to Demián’s daughter Gala – tied the knot with her husband in 2011.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.
