Huntress Frontwoman Jill Janus Has Died at 43 Years Old
Huntress frontwoman Jill Janus has passed away at just 43 years old. According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, she committed suicide outside of Portland, OR.
Janus has been open about her struggles with mental illness in the past. In 2015 she announced she was leaving the band, citing “bipolar, schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorders,” only to be contradicted that same day by Huntress guitarist Blake Meahl, who said Janus was still in the band. The next day, Janus posted that she was indeed still the singer for Huntress.
The band’s statement on Janus’s death reads as follows:
“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.”
Janus’s former bandmates Casey Wood was the first to publicly share the news late last night in a Facebook post:
“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.”
On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks we’d like to wish Janus’s family, friends and bandmates all the best. And we know it’s been said before, but it can’t be said enough: if you’re having suicidal thoughts, please, PLEASE reach out to someone.
