In Honor of Charlotte Dawson 

It is with great sadness that Charlotte Dawson, 47 years of age, television personality, writer and former judge of Australia’s Next Top Model has been found dead in her Sydney home today.

Over recent years Dawson has struggled through a long and very public battle with depression. It is understood that her body was found by a security guard and police have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances involved in her death.

Born in New Zealand, Dawson moved to Australia in her 20s, where she became Beauty and Fashion Director for Woman’s Day Magazine and later Style Director at New Idea Magazine.  The former model also starred on many Australian television shows.

Dawson has always been a very genuine person, who has had a number of personal battles to fight. In 2012 she was emotionally and mentally shocked by extensive trolling and cyber bullying that occurred on social media sites, particularly on twitter, where she experienced a barrage of abuse for no reason.  At the time she was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Here is a candid video that was recorded in 2011. Mamamia’s publisher, Mia Freedman talks to Charlotte Dawson who provides a beautiful insight into her personal and professional life.  Please take the time to view this heartwarming video.  

It’s a timely reminder for us all to value and enjoy the simple things in life and we must stand up to cyber bullying and reach out to those who suffer from depression.