The fitness world is mourning the sudden loss of one of its biggest young influencers, Raechelle Chase.
The popular New Zealand fitness expert and model left an indelible mark in the world of fitness, amassing more than 1.4 million followers on social media.
As reported by News.com.au, the news of Raechelle's death was confirmed by her eldest daughter, Anna Chase. In a heartfelt tribute, Anna said in a statement: "She was supportive, kind-hearted and always had the best advice for us.
"She was a wildly driven woman with ambition and has inspired millions of people around the world. I miss her immensely and that love won’t ever fade."
A cause of death for the 41-year-old is yet to be disclosed. The New Zealand police are currently investigating the case, per the New York Post.
As well as her impressive social media presence, the mom-of-five had also featured on the front cover of 14 magazines - with her last being a feature in Oxygen Magazine.
Raechelle was also an accomplished competitor in the world of bodybuilding. In 2011, she made history by becoming the first New Zealand woman to compete in the prestigious Olympia bodybuilding event in Las Vegas, per Stuff.com.
Since the news of her passing, tributes have been flooding in for the beloved influencer.
On her last Instagram post, fans have shared their memories of Raechelle, with one person writing: "I am extremely saddened and shocked to hear of Raechelle’s passing. She was a bright light and I’m so happy to have [known] her."
"RIP Raechelle. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family," another follower wrote.
And a third wrote: "This is so so wrong, so unfair!! Your strength, your courage, your fighting spirit in adversity, you kept going! Every training session I have now - they’ll be for you."
Over the last few years, Raechelle had spoken out about her past relationship to Chris Chase.
Following a 14-year marriage, the couple divorced in 2015. In the following years, Chris was imprisoned for a decade for his involvement in drug dealings.
Following their separation, she penned an editorial piece for Stuff, in which she detailed their "toxic" post-separation relationship.
"If you know you are in an abusive relationship and you don’t have the courage to leave, do it for your children," Raechelle wrote. "Grab hold of whatever you need long enough to survive crawling out of that hole because I promise you it will be worth it."
Raechelle is survived by her five children, two of whom are twins.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans at this time.
