A cancer researcher and fitness influencer who spoke openly about her “crippling” anxiety and quit social media to prioritize her mental health has died, her fiancé announced.
Stephanie Buttermore, a former bodybuilder who used her platform to promote body positivity and wellness, died less than two weeks after her 36th birthday, on Feb. 25.
Her partner of 10 years, Jeff Nippard, shared a heartbreaking statement with the grim announcement on Instagram Friday.
“It is with profound sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” Nippard’s team wrote. “As many of you know, Stephanie meant the world to Jeff.
“She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love for her family, and her PhD research on ovarian cancer.”
Nippard, a bodybuilder himself, did not reveal the cause of death and asked for privacy. The pair got engaged in 2022 after Nippard “slid into [her] DMs” six years prior, according to an Instagram post about their engagement.
Buttermore, who was based in Florida, earned a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Pathology, and Cell Biology.
She had more than 525,000 Instagram followers and nearly 1.2 million YouTube subscribers. She shared workout routines, nutrition advice, and tips for women on health and wellness journeys.
The YouTuber shared her first video nine years ago, but took a step back from social media in 2024.
Her last Instagram post was in May 2024, where she updated her followers on her biggest takeaways from staying offline and addressed why she had been “MIA.”
“My mental health has been the best it’s ever been, but I’ll give you some specifics,” she candidly addressed her fans.
“I no longer struggle with anxiety. At all. It was almost crippling a few years ago to the point I felt I couldn’t breathe or leave my house.”
Her honesty resonated with followers who commended her from stepping out of the spotlight despite her success.
Tributes for Buttermore have flooded social media.
“Thank you for inspiring me and so many other women with your all in journey and research. You were such an important presence in the fitness space. RIP,” one woman wrote on Instagram under Buttermore’s last post.
“Stephanie. I’m in tears. You helped me overcome my eating disorder back in college and high school. I’m devastated. Thank you for everything,” another said, expressing her grief..
“Rest in peace Stephanie, my heart is broken for you and Jeff,” a devasted fan said. “You inspired so many. Your intellect, charisma and dedication inspired hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people. A bright light gone out too soon.”