Teenager takes her own life because she felt trapped during lockdown after overcoming a debilitating illness before Covid hit – as her heartbroken family open up to Karl Stefanovic in a powerful interview
- Daisy Long, 19, took own life after Sydney lockdown became too much for her
- Her heartbreaking story brought Today show host Karl Stefanovic to tears
- He broke down live on air following confronting interview with Daisy’s family
- If you need support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Karl Stefanovic has choked back tears live on air over the heartbreaking story about a teen who took her own life.
Six weeks of lockdown became too much for young Sydneysider Daisy Long, 19, who tragically ended her life on August 6.
The university student had dreams of travelling the world after years of battling a deliberating chronic illness before the coronavirus pandemic brought those plans to an abrupt halt.
Stefanovic was overcome with emotion and had to be comforted by Today show co-host Allison Langdon following his powerful and confronting interview with Ms Long’s mum Sally and younger sister Tiggy, 16.
Stefanovic’s own teenage daughter Ava knows Tiggy and has been hit hard by Ms Long’s death.
Sydney university student Daisy Long (pictured) took her own life on August 6
‘It stays with you, a little bit,’ Stefanovic said as he wiped away tears.
‘Life is filled with what we try and for everyone at home we try to make your day a bit brighter.
‘But some of this stuff you can’t make brighter. It’s just cold heart awful brutal reality that some people right now and especially our young aren’t coping.’
Landgon and presenter Alex Cullen praised Stefanovic of taking on the confronting story which Daisy’s sister and mum wanted to share in the hope of helping other young Australians currently struggling and feeling trapped in lockdown.
Karl Stefanovic (left) had to be be comforted by co-host Allison Langdon after his powerful interview with Daisy’s mum and sister was aired
‘It’s been extremely difficult. I’ve felt like there’s just a missing piece in my life,’ Tiggy said.
‘Daisy was like my other half to me. Daisy was the one who taught me strength and she went through many challenges in life. She always had a smile on her face and held her head high.’
Daisy was chronically ill with tick borne disease between the ages of 13 and 16.
‘During those years, when she should have been at school having fun and enjoying herself, instead she was bed bound,’ her mum Sally said.
‘We kept saying to her ‘once you are better, your life will be better. You will go ahead and achieve your goals and dreams.
‘She focused on that. She applied for psychology at Macquarie University, was accepted and began her degree this year. She received high distinctions. Then COVID lockdown began. It sent her spiralling downwards.’
Tiggy Long and mum Sally (pictured) shared Daisy’s heartbreaking story in the hop of helping other young people feeling trapped during lockdown
Ms Long issued a harrowing plea to parents whose kids are struggling during lockdown.
‘Don’t get hung up on the small stuff. Don’t get hung up on whether they’ve done the essay or not,’ she said.
‘It’s neither here nor there at the moment really. No disrespect to the education system, but at the moment they need to be having whatever release of freedom and fun they can have.
‘If they want to sit up and watch a movie until three in the morning let them. Because what they’re doing is they’re getting out of their head. You want them out of their head. You want them out of their head. You don’t want them in here.’
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
The loss of Daisy (left) has devastated her family including mum Sally and sister Tiggy (right)