The Tragic Story Of Jael Strauss From America's Next Top Model

Tyra Banks' hit reality show "America's Next Top Model" enjoyed a successful run of 24 cycles (via The Cinemaholic) and became a pop culture phenomenon seen around the world. Many fans who watched the show will be aware of the many controversies surrounding the photoshoots, the judges, and the contestants. However, there have been some tragic stories from after the models' time on the show that are incredibly sad.

Jael Strauss became a fan-favorite during Cycle 8, finishing in sixth place. As noted by Gawker, during her time on the show, she found out that one of her friends died from an overdose. Jael decided to stay on and dedicated her photo from the next photoshoot to her dear friend. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only time Jael made headlines. Shortly after her time on the show, she appeared on an episode of "The Dr. Phil Show" in 2012 after her family staged an intervention due to her own drug addiction. 

Jael can be seen running from the cameras to the Paramount lot while appearing out of control. As seen in another clip, Dr. Phil tried to convince Jael this wasn't a lifestyle she should be living. "Are you really convincing yourself that this life that you have doesn't suck? You're doing drugs, you're living in crappy hotels ..." he said. Luckily, Jael got the treatment she needed and became sober. However, the worst was yet to come.

Fans were glad things were looking up for Jael Strauss after she told TooFab in 2016 that she was three years sober. The reality star told the outlet that she felt exploited by the Dr. Phil episode but was aware of its possible positive impact. "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire life," Jael explained. 

In August 2018, she celebrated being five years sober via Instagram. "Today I have 5 years sober. Good God!," Jael captioned her post, adding, "I know a few things to be true: Miracles are real, Recovery is possible for everyone no matter how far gone you think you are, We are never too broken to be put back together."

That same year, in October, Jael took to Facebook to share the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at 34 years of age. "On October 2nd I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. It has aggressively spread throughout my body and is incurable," she said, adding, "With treatment it may prolong my life longer than the 'few months' doctors said I could make it. I don't want to die. I need another one of those miracles that I got back in 2013." Just weeks later, Jael shared a simply jarring selfie of herself on Instagram after getting a port installed for chemotherapy. Two months following her diagnosis, Jael sadly died, per Metro.

After news broke that former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Jael Strauss had died, her family put out a statement, per Metro. "The one blessing was that we were able to show her how loved she was before she passed. She brought so much light to people," they said. Host of the show Tyra Banks soon found out about her tragic death and took to Twitter to pay her respects. "Top Model has lost a beautiful soul. We will all remember Jael and her fun-loving spirit and beautiful soul," the "Coyote Ugly" actor shared.

Being the fan-favorite that she was, many fans were absolutely shocked and saddened by Jael's death. "Condolences to her friends and family. I'm glad we got the opportunity to know of her through ANTM!" one user tweeted. "That's terrible after all she has struggled through. My heart goes out to her family," another person shared. "So saddened to hear. Was one of my favorites.. condolences to her friends and family," a third fan wrote. Rest in peace, Jael.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).