Jill Janus, lead singer of Huntress, took her life this past Tuesday, August 14th of an apparent suicide; she was 43. Janus was open of her battle with mental illness and was an advocate for mental health. She first opened up about suffering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dissociative identity disorder with Revolver. Huntress issued the following statement regarding her death:
“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.”
Huntress guitarist Blake Meahl, with whom Janus was romantically involved, commented on her passing, saying:
“I dont do much posting of things, and to post on something so personal and painful is extra strange but it feels necessary.
Jill Janus and i spent 9 years together creating a home, having a family and building our passion project Huntress. The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion i have ever experienced.
Baby, I hope you have found the peace that you couldn’t find on this planet. I miss you so much and will always carry a piece of you in my heart. See you on Aldebaran.”
Her former bandmate Casey Wood also commented, sharing:
“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.”