Gene Leonhardt, who became something of an internet celebrity with his rather odd defence of his daughter Jessi Slaughter, has died of a heart attack. He was 53 years old.

Leonhardt first came to attention when he launched a video tirade against people who had allegedly been bullying his 11-year-old daughter online. And to be fair to him, it’s not unreasonable for a father to get upset if he thinks people are tormenting his kid.

Back in March of this year, Leonhardt was allegedly accused of hitting his daughter, and there are rumours that Slaughter is now allegedly living in foster care. It’s hard to think of a way in which this story could be more depressing.