Porn star August Ames, 23, died early this week in California of suicide by hanging, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office confirmed to The Blast.

It is suspected that Ames had a history of mental illness, something she discussed with Holly Randall in a podcast just three months before her death. Ames said that she was molested by her grandfather as a child, and her mother suffered from bipolar disorder. She also discussed her current struggles with depression, talking about her need to find a "good f--cking therapist," and how difficult it had been for her.

"I would get in contact with some people and then I would feel badly because they'd be like 'What's your profession?' and I'd be like 'Oh, I'm in the adult industry,'" she said in reference to her search for a therapist. "Then I'd feel like they're like, 'Oh that's the whole reason that you are the way you are' and then I'd get turned off," she said.

Three months later, Ames found herself in the midst of a Twitter firestorm following a statement she made stating her refusal to work with crossover performers (those who straddle the line between gay and straight features).

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whichever (lady) performer is replacing me tomorrow for @EroticaXNews , you’re shooting with a guy who has shot gay porn, just to let cha know. BS is all I can say🤷🏽‍♀️ Do agents really not care about who they’re representing? #ladirect I do my homework for my body🤓✏️🔍 — August Ames (@AugustAmesxxx) December 3, 2017

The pornography industry was shaken by Ames' tragic death, with adult stars Brett Rossi and Anikka Albrite among the many voicing their thoughts:

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My heart is broken for my industry sister. People are cruel and depression is a bitch. Please be good to each other. #RIPAugust https://t.co/eX2z2ip9EL — Anikka Albrite™️ (@AnikkaAlbrite) December 6, 2017

Ames is yet another young life taken too soon, and yet again brings to light the seriousness of mental illness.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

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