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Playboy Playmate Ashley Mattingly dies by suicide at 33

Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time.
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Former Playboy Playmate Ashley Mattingly has tragically died at the age of 33. 

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WATCH: Ashley Mattingly has lunch in LA afters being hospitalised from laced marijuana 

The model’s sister Christy DeWeese and her twin brother Billy shared the devastating news with TMZ, confirming she died of an apparent suicide on Wednesday, April 15. She is said to have left a note, though further details remain unknown. 

According to the outlet, a friend called the Austin Police Department to conduct a wellness check after they were unable to get in contact with Ashley. She was found unresponsive in her home days later. 

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Ashley pictured with her twin brother and sister. (Credit: Facebook)
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“We learned late Thursday night that it is believed that our dear sister with a larger-than-life personality took her own life,” William and Christy told PEOPLE via a statement. 

“She will continue to live on through nieces whom she loved dearly and always thought of no matter how far away she was, a twin brother, two sisters and numerous other friends and family members.
We will forever cherish her memories and know that her joy is eternally sealed. We look forward to seeing her again. Our hope is that Ashley’s story can continue to shed a light on suicide awareness and prevention. We love you,” the heartfelt statement concluded. 
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Ashley pictured with Hugh Hefner. (Credit: Facebook)

Her family also told TMZ that Ashley— who had been living in Austin for the past two years— was struggling with substance and alcohol abuse and had been battling “demons” while “trying to get her life back on track”. She had even adopted a golden retriever puppy nine months before her death in the hope she’d help with her loneliness

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Since news of her passing was announced to the press, Christy has paid tribute to her gorgeous sister, writing on Facebook: “Because I can’t find the words to say I will just leave this here. I love you and will miss you every day. Fly high sister, I know you are the most gorgeous angel in heaven!”

Brother Billy expressed his sadness on social media, remembering Ashley as a “rock star” and “beauty queen”. 

Actress Carrie Stevens also paid tribute to her close friend, sharing a photo of the duo standing alongside founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner. 
“I am devastated. My friend #ashleymattingly took her own life. If you are struggling please reach out for help. She was only 33 RIP #playmatesister,” the Vegas, City Of Dreams star captioned the tweet. 
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“I am devastated.” (Credit: Twitter)
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Since being named Playboy’s Miss March 2011, Ashley’s troubled life, which was marked by misfortune, began to spiral out of control.

Less than a year after scoring her big break, her ex-boyfriend and former Prison Break star Lane Garrison was caught on surveillance video slapping her in the face at her Beverly Hills apartment. He was convicted of domestic battery and was sentenced to probation, counselling and a fine.

Then, in 2016, according to TMZ, Ashley was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Laguna Beach, California. She allegedly crashed her golf cart into four parked cars while intoxicated. 

Need help? Call Lifeline on 131 114, visit www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home, or call beyondblue on 1300 224 636. If you would like to talk to someone about mental health call Headspace on 1800 650 890. If you are in immediate danger, call 000

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If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, call the 1800RESPECT hotline or visit www.1800respect.org.au/. You can also call the Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 656 463.

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