Trans flight attendant made famous by advert dies by suicide
Transgender flight attendant Kayleigh Scott - who was made famous by a United Airlines commercial - has died aged 25.
Kayleigh was found dead in her Colorado home on Monday (20 March) after she posted a distressing message on social media.
Ashley Scott confirmed her sister’s death.
“To all who have commented and those watching this post, Kay has passed,” Ashley said.
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“Thank you for your concern and outpouring of love for her. We are going to miss her so much.”
In a now-deleted Instagram post which was uploaded at 2.30am, Kayleigh wrote: “As I take my final breaths and exit this living earth, I would like to apologize to everyone I let down. I am so sorry I could not be better.
“To those that I love, I am sorry I could not be stronger.
“To those that gave me their everything, I am sorry my effort was not reciprocated.
“Please understand that me leaving is not a reflection of you, but the result of my own inability to turn myself for the better.
“To Ashley, Cynthia, Regine & Sophia. I am so sorry.
“Please remember me for the good memories we have shared, and never for my downfall. I will see you all again on the other side. Brianna, I'm coming.”
A United Airlines rep told LADbible: “We are incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Kayleigh Scott and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and co-workers.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Denver Police Department told the NY Post that an investigation is ongoing.
Kayleigh became famous after her United commercial in 2020 as part of the airline's diversity campaign.
Her openness about wanting to fit in touched the heart of the nation.
Speaking about her trans journey, she said: “There was so much pain behind that sweet boy’s eyes … This is a story that I know is so important for me to continue sharing.
“Not for me, but for those out there who are still fighting social norms, the boundaries set upon them, fighting themselves.
“Gay, lesbian, bi, trans, pan, whatever, whoever you identify as, come out to be counted.”
At the time, Kayleigh thanked all of her 'loving co-workers' for the support.
“My life changed for the better when I came to United as a flight attendant. With the support from the company, our business resource group for LGBTQ+ employees, and all of my loving co-workers,” she said.
“I was able to break free from the chains that helped me and to this day, I’m living confidently. It’s my true self.”
UNILAD has contacted United Airlines and Denver Police Department for further comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123
Anish Vij