Playboy Playmate Ashley Mattingly Dies By Suicide At 33

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Ashley Mattingly, who was a former Playboy Playmate, has died of an apparent suicide after being found unresponsive in her home on Thursday, April, 16. According to her family, including her brother, William, and sister, Christy, a suicide note was found on the scene. Both siblings opened up about the death of their sister to PEOPLE, telling the outlet Ashley Mattingly lived in Travis County outside of Austin, Texas and had "struggled with alcohol and substance abuse." She was only 33 years old.

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According to several outlets, the model was found dead inside her home on Thursday after a friend called authorities and asked for a wellness check after they did not hear from Ashley Mattingly. While the family told PEOPLE there was a suicide note, they revealed they have yet to be able to read it. The investigation into Ashley Mattingly's death is still ongoing and is reportedly being handled by the Bee Cave Police Department. Her brother and sister released a statement giving details about the model's unexpected passing.

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“We learned late Thursday night that it is believed that our dear sister with a larger-than-life personality took her own life,” William and Christy Mattingly said in a statement. While she had struggled with substance abuse in the past, they said their sister was doing her best to overcome those demons. “Ashley moved closer to home a couple years ago and was living in Austin. It’s maybe no secret that Ashley struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, but she wanted to and was working toward getting better,” they continued.

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Ashley Mattingly leaves behind one fur child, a Golden Retriever which she adopted to help pull her out of dark times. “We are now loving on her sweet golden retriever puppy that she recently adopted to overcome these demons,” her siblings added. William and Christy ended their message by stating they hope Ashley Mattingly's death was not in vain. “Our hope is that Ashley’s story can continue to shed a light on suicide awareness and prevention. We love you Ashley.” Former Playmate Carrie Stevens spoke out about her death, taking to Twitter and sharing a picture with Ashley who is seen smiling alongside the late Hugh Hefner. “I am devastated,” Stevens wrote. “My friend #ashleymattingly took her own life. If you are struggling please reach out for help. She was only 33 RIP #playmatesister.”