Cosplayer Ash “Squidkid11111” Reportedly Dies by Suicide After Alleged Cyberbullying

Ash, known online as Squidkid11111, has died, according to a statement posted on their Instagram account. Ash, who used they/them pronouns and was well-known in the cosplay community for bold, creative looks inspired by anime and Japanese culture, reportedly faced severe online bullying prior to their death.

For seven years, Ash built a following by sharing cosplay content across multiple platforms. Their vibrant costumes, dedication to character design, and presence at conventions and fandom events earned them a loyal fan base and recognition within the anime community. Despite the positivity they shared online, those close to Ash said they were dealing with private struggles behind the scenes.

News of Ash’s death was announced on Instagram on November 13, 2025, in a statement addressed to fans, friends, and family. The post honored Ash’s impact on the cosplay world, saying:

Cosplayer Ash “Squidkid11111” Reportedly Dies by Suicide After Alleged Cyberbullying

 

“For the past seven years, Squidkid, or Ashley, has shared their love of cosplay across the internet. They met many of you on Instagram, but also at conventions, at clubs and across campus, at professional photoshoots, and other day-to-day interactions.”

The announcement did not specify a cause of death. However, the anime community page A Dose of Anime shared a tribute stating that Ash had died by suicide, citing multiple people within the cosplay community who believed the death was linked to sustained cyberbullying. According to the page, Ash faced harassment for being a dark-skinned Black cosplayer portraying traditionally Japanese characters—an issue that has sparked broader conversations about racism and gatekeeping within fandom spaces.

Fans across social media have since flooded Ash’s pages with messages of mourning, gratitude, and frustration over the cruelty they endured. Many expressed heartbreak that a creator whose work brought so much joy was met with hate for expressing themselves in a space meant to celebrate creativity.

Ash leaves behind a legacy of bold self-expression, community engagement, and a body of work that continues to inspire cosplayers around the world.

Cosplayer Ash “Squidkid11111” Reportedly Dies by Suicide After Alleged Cyberbullying

Cosplayer Ash “Squidkid11111” Reportedly Dies by Suicide After Alleged Cyberbullying