Popular Cosplayer “Squidkid” (Ashley) Dies by suicide at 25; Community Points to Cyberbullying as Possible Cause

According to an Instagram announcement on November 13, 2025, beloved cosplayer Squidkid, known as Ashley and using they/them pronouns, has passed away. The statement honored Ash’s seven-year journey in the cosplay world, noting how they connected with fans online, at conventions, on campus, and during professional photoshoots.

Ash was widely admired for their bold, anime-inspired cosplay and for celebrating Japanese culture through their work. Despite their vibrant online presence, they reportedly faced significant personal struggles.

While the official announcement did not reveal a cause of death, the Instagram page A Dose of Anime reported that Ash allegedly died by suicide. The page claimed that several members of the cosplay community believed Ash had been subjected to persistent cyberbullying, targeted for being a dark-skinned Black cosplayer portraying traditional Japanese characters.

Fans continue to mourn the loss of a creative force whose impact resonated deeply across the cosplay community.