Adult film actress Kagney Linn Karter has died at the age of 36.
The star, who appeared in countless films including Naughty America, died by suicide at her home in Ohio, last week.
TMZ reports that the Medical Examiner confirmed the news of her death, and that her body was received by officials – her loved ones have since started a GoFundMe page to raise money for her funeral costs.
The news may have come as a shock to many fans as she had recently shared photos from her trip to Florida on social media, with many now paying tribute under the post.
In what is now her final Instagram post, she could be seen posing on the beach in a pink bikini, in front of the water.
Alongside the jarring photo, she simply wrote: ‘Hi from Florida.’
Followers were left devastated by the loss and took the opportunity to pay tribute in the comments section below.
A fan going by AskBryanNot wrote: ‘Just heard about her passing. This breaks my heart. She truly was one of the greatest and seemed so likable outside of her work. Rest in peace Kagney.’
‘Such an heartbreaking news to heard that you are gone, RIP bunny queen Kagney [sic],’ Notllem.rj agreed.
Instagram user Hellatosis added: ‘She was a sweetheart. So sad to know she was struggling so badly.’
Karter first began her career as an exotic dancer in Missouri the early 00s, before making the move to California to pursue a singing career.
She then made her debut in the adult film industry and became a huge hit with fans, taking home a string of awards throughout her career – including the best new starlet trophy at the AVN Awards in 2010.
In 2012, she took part in a documentary with Louis Theroux, titled Twilight of the Porn Stars, where she unpacked her efforts in the spotlight along with other entertainers – it can still be found on iPlayer today.
It served as a follow-up to the presenter’s glimpse into the porn industry for his Weird Weekends series, which first aired in 1998.
The synopsis read: ‘In 1997, Louis made a documentary on the booming Californian porn industry. In 2012, he returns to find an industry that has been decimated by illegal Internet tube sites.’
In the special, he was invited into Karter’s home while she hosted a live web show in her bedroom, where she ‘stripped on her bed in front of her laptop’.
During this time, he caught up with her then-boyfriend, Montae – who also served as her assistant – while they waited for her to finish, when she delved into her work on the small screen.
Karter eventually turned her back on the industry after moving to Ohio, and went on to build her own pole dancing studio.
She is thought to have taken her last class on February 7, two weeks before her death.
Karter’s friends set up a GoFundMe for donations, in order to help her loved ones with financial costs for her memorial.
In a lengthy tribute on the fundraising page, her pals – known as Megan and Rachel – explained they first met when she joined their dance studio in Cleveland, before going on to start her own business.
‘Kagney was a woman who wore many hats; she was a performer, a singer, a dancer, a daughter and a friend. She first came to our Cleveland studio in November of 2019, freshly moved out of LA, rearing and ready to jump back in to pole, in a brand new community where she knew no one and no one knew her,’ the message read, describing the late star as ‘kind’ and ‘radiant’
‘She wasn’t intimidated or anxious. The fact that she was the new kid on the block didn’t bother her in the least. She immediately warmed to the studio and all the students with an effortless grace, and it soon felt as if she had always been apart of the studio, from the very beginning.
‘Her passion for pole and movement made us feel even more blessed for the honor to instruct her. Watching Kagney flourish in an environment that made her feel confident and happy was a true joy.
‘Unfortunately, despite all of her many impressive accomplishments and talents, Kagney struggled with mental health issues as the years passed by. Even in her darkest days, however, she still showed up to the studio, always ready to learn, contribute, better herself in whatever small way she could manage.
‘As alone as she undoubtedly felt within the confines of her own head, she continued to make an effort to show up for her friends and the community who cared about her. She fought her own battles with the same tenacity and drive she showed in every other area of her life, with as much strength as she could.’
Discussing Karter’s death, they continued: ‘The news sank like a stone in our hearts. The horrible reality of a studio without Kagney – a community without her- seemed all wrong. Unnatural. Too difficult to accept.
‘Because more than her beauty, her lovely dancing, her singing, her dazzling performances, her business savvy and instructor certifications and loyal fanbase… Kagney was kind. Kagney was generous. As cold as the world could be, Kagney brought with her a light. On her good days, when she was most herself, she could warm up a room with her radiant smile, get others laughing in no time at all.
‘She was all brightness and bubble, with never a cross word to say about another. She forgave easily, gave second chances, saw the value in the small details. We saw her revel in the happiness of animals, glow as she sang to her Instagram audience, shared in her elation when nailing a new pole trick.’
The tribute concluded: ‘In short, we were firsthand witnesses to Kagney’s spirit. And as much as we have all cried for her, we know she would have cried for us tenfold. That was just who Kagney was. She loved deeply. And, because of that, she will be missed just as deeply.
‘We humbly ask that you assist us raise funds for her mother, Tina, to lay Kagney to rest. 100% of these funds will be going to preparations for her memorial services. Any leftover funds will be given to a local animal rescue charity, as Kagney had a pure adoration for all of God’s creatures.
‘And, although no amount of money can ease the grief, if it can even assuage a small amount of stress on Kagney’s mother and immediate family, that is a victory.’
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The pair were initially asking for $8,000 for her family, but quickly smashed their target and have currently raised more than $15,000 at the time of writing.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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