The death of 24-year-old cosplay influencer Maoyouyou, whose real name was Shi Ye, has deeply saddened internet users in China. Her family confirmed that she passed away on February 25 at 5:20 pm, but did not disclose the cause of her death. Many fans suspect she took her own life due to depression. The family announced they would keep her social media accounts active as a space for remembrance, acknowledging how much she was loved.
Maoyouyou was well known in China’s cosplay community, frequently attending anime conventions and sharing her cosplay photos online. With 51,000 followers on social media, she had built a strong presence and inspired many. However, behind the colorful costumes and characters, she struggled with severe personal difficulties.
On February 24, just a day before her passing, Maoyouyou held a live-stream where she appeared in one of her favorite anime costumes. Her followers noticed she was in low spirits, openly discussing her mental health struggles. She shared that she had been living in a rented apartment in Beijing for three years but had not been able to pay rent for several months. She described herself as being in a state of “lying flat,” a term in China referring to doing the bare minimum to survive, admitting that she lacked motivation to do anything.
She revealed that she had not eaten for two days and had no appetite. Despite trying to seek medical treatment, she was unable to secure an appointment at the hospital. During the live stream, she spoke about feeling like she was “on the edge of death.” Hours before her passing, she posted a final message on social media stating, “We will never meet again,” which fans later realized was a farewell. Many also noted that the time of her death, 5:20 pm, matched her birth date, May 20, adding a haunting significance to her passing.
Her death has sparked widespread mourning among internet users. Many left heartfelt messages, recalling how she once brought them joy and courage. One follower shared that they had gathered the confidence to attend an anime convention because of her live-streams. Another expressed sorrow, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues.
Her tragic story has ignited discussions about mental health struggles and the importance of providing help to those in need. While her passing is deeply painful, her influence and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her fans.
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