British model Stella Tennant’s family has confirmed that she took her own life.
Stella died last month, days after her 50th birthday, with her family telling the Telegraph that she had been “unwell for some time” prior to her death.
They said: “We have been humbled by the outpouring of messages of sympathy and support since Stella died. She was a beautiful soul, adored by a close family and good friends, a sensitive and talented woman whose creativity, intelligence and humour touched so many.
“Stella had been unwell for some time. So it is a matter of our deepest sorrow and despair that she felt unable to go on, despite the love of those closest to her.”
“In grieving Stella’s loss, her family renews a heartfelt request that respect for their privacy should continue,” they added.
A number of key figures from the fashion world who knew and worked with Stella paid tribute following her death, including fellow models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, who remembered her as a “class act” and a “fantastic mother”.
Born and raised in Scotland, Stella was the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke Of Devonshire, and Deborah Mitford, one of the famous aristocratic sisters.
She got her start in the modelling industry in the early 1990s, going on to appear in photo-shoots for Vogue – both in her home country of the UK and international editions – and Harper’s Bazaar.
Stella was also one of the models who were featured in the London Olympics Closing Ceremony in 2012, in a section celebrating the world of British fashion.
She married former photographer David Lasnet in 1999, with whom she had four children; Marcel, Cecily, Jasmine and Iris.
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).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
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 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
