Lee Macmillan, who became a viral star with her vanlife travel account, takes her own life 

A beloved Instagram star who became an internet sensation for her vanlife travels has lost her battle with depression.   

Lee Macmillan, who documented her journey Down Under with her Australian now-ex-partner Max Bidstrup and their dog Occy, tragically took her life last week.

The pair’s @maxandlee_ Instagram page, which has garnered more than 67,000 followers, revealed the devastating news on Wednesday. 

‘After living an extraordinary life, and fighting a brave battle with depression, our hearts are shattered to share that Lee took her life on Friday,’ Mr Bidstrup wrote.

Lee Macmillan, who documented her journey Down Under with her Australian now-ex-partner Max Bidstrup and their dog Occy, tragically took her life last week

Max described his ex-partner as ‘the brightest light’ and a ‘magnetic force of nature’ who was loved by many

He described his ex-partner as ‘the brightest light’ and a ‘magnetic force of nature’ who was loved by many. 

‘We will miss her with every fiber of our hearts,’ Mr Bidstrup wrote.  

‘If we can do one thing for Lee now, in the midst of this soul-crushing loss, it’s to spread the message that mental health is just as real as physical health, and that illness can strike anyone, no matter how unlikely they may seem.

‘It’s ok to not be ok, it’s ok to ask for help, it’s absolutely necessary to ask for help. Lee was an advocate for mental health. She was candid and open about her own struggles.’ 

Mr Bidstrup said Ms Macmillan was receiving help from professionals, family and friends for her depression. 

The pair’s @maxandlee_ Instagram page, which has garnered more than 67,000 devoted followers, revealed the devastating news on Wednesday

The loved up couple spent five weeks travelling around southeast Asia together before returning to Canada where they bought and renovated a 2006 Dodge Sprinter van

In January this year, the couple announced their split to their joint Instagram account, shocking their hordes of loyal followers and fans 

‘She had support around her. She was not alone, she was not trying to fight this alone. And yet she still succumbed to this terrible illness. It is more nuanced than we can, or do, appreciate or understand,’ he said. 

‘Life is more complex than a single social media post. Things are complicated. Don’t believe what you see online. Get out into the world and talk to your loved ones.

‘Check in. Ask them genuinely how they’re doing. Be available to help. To listen. To offer help. Remove the stigma of asking for help.’

Ms Macmillan and Mr Bidstrup – a paramedic from Wangaratta in Victoria – met while he was on a working holiday in Canada.

The loved up couple then spent five weeks travelling around southeast Asia together before returning to Canada where they bought and renovated a 2006 Dodge Sprinter van.  

They spent the next few months exploring North America and eventually made their way through South America. 

The couple spent the next few months exploring North America and eventually made their way through South America

Ms Macmillan and Mr Bidstrup – a paramedic from Wangaratta in Victoria – met while he was on a working holiday in Canada

In January this year, the couple announced their split to their joint Instagram account, shocking their hordes of loyal followers and fans. 

‘Sadly though, despite going through so much together, and trying so damn hard, some things don’t always work out, no matter how much you want them to,’ they wrote alongside a photo of them.

‘We are very sorry to announce that the next chapter of our lives will not be one experienced together, as we will be going our separate ways from here.

‘The last month has been one of the most trying of our lives as we come to terms with this new reality. We both want what is best for each other and will continue to support each other now and in to the future.’⠀ 

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Mr Bidstrup said he will miss his ex-partner with ‘every fibre’ of his heart