Beautiful and young, Alyssa Funke went to Las Vegas and “auditioned” for a porn movie via a website.

After the video went public, the former straight-A student's old classmates in Stillwater, Minnesota, began sending her messages.

Some were surprised, some negative, and others supportive. She answered a few with social media posts of her own, including “Pornstar status” and “FAMOUS for dayzzzzz.”

However, it all took a toll, and the young woman bought a shotgun and drove to her family’s boat, where she killed herself.

KMSP-TV reports Funke's family confirmed she had a history of depression. Her father is in prison, and her mother has been charged with dealing drugs. They say Alyssa also had struggles with money.

More popular and trending stories

Funke's family blame her death, in part, on online bullying. But the sheriff’s office said the messages she was sent did not amount to criminal harassment.

Alyssa’s family said they are talking about her death now because they want to keep other girls from making the same mistake. They want young women to understand the pressure that comes from social media and the stigma porn carries.

They also said they would like to bring attention to bullying and the effect it can have on somebody.

More here.

About the Author

Featured

A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik