The Tragic Death Of 18-Year-Old TikTok Star Dazhariaa

Rising TikTok star Dazharia Shaffer, known online as "Dee," died on February 8th, 2021, at the age of 18. Her father announced the news on TikTok two days later with a slideshow of past and current photos of his daughter. He wrote: "I just want to thank everyone for their love and support of my daughter. Unfortunately she is no longer with us and has gone to a better place." "I'm so heartbroken I really can't believe you're going. I wish I was waiting on you to say it was a prank but it's not. [...] RIP my angel. Everyone talks about our bad times but never talk[s] about the good times." Following his daughter's death, Dazharia's father Raheem Alla created a memorial GoFundMe page. He also went into more detail about her sudden passing, writing: "On February 8th my daughter Dazharia [...] left us early [...] She was my little best friend and I wasn't prepared [...] to bury my child. She was so happy, and would be so excited to see me when I come home from being on the road." Alla then hinted at the underlying mental health issues which ultimately led her to end her own life. He wrote: "I only wish she would have spoken to me about her stress and the thoughts of suicide. We could work thru this. I only want to hold you again, my little jelly bean. [...] I have to let you fly with the angels." The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office confirmed to People magazine that Dazharia did in fact die by suicide. Following the news of her death, fans took to social media to pay tribute to the young TikTok star. One user wrote: "You are no longer enduring the pain or suffering. I'm so sorry, beautiful! May you rest in paradise Dazharia and know you will be missed!" Another said: "I love her so much. She had a beautiful spirit. May she Rest In Peace... she was so beautiful... she was my favorite TikToker. She's the best." Other users pointed out that being quarantined due to the coronavirus pandemic isn't easy for many, and has taken a toll on people's mental health. One fan posted: "So many teens are committing suicides… and so many are dying of #COVID19. No way out of it!" Another fan on Twitter reminded others that being a star on social media can be a lot of pressure, even if the individual makes it look easy. Indeed, several studies have found a link between depression and social media use. Dazharia didn't have the easiest upbringing. Her mom had issues with drugs at one point, and she didn't meet her biological father until 2020. Nonetheless, she seemed to truly enjoy sharing her life on social media, and often reminded her fans how thankful she was for them. She also had a thriving beauty and clothing business called Dee Beauty Outlet where she sold lipsticks, false eyelashes, t-shirts, and more. Dazharia even posted a photo on Instagram of herself filling orders in December 2020, in which she admitted she was swamped with orders — but was super happy about it regardless. She wrote: "I just opened yesterday [and] I was surprised [by] how many orders I've gotten. thank y'all sooo much for supporting me and my business." Tragically, her internet fame and the newfound relationship with her biological father was only part of Dazharia's story. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.