Jett Kenny says his late sister Jaimi was secretly struggling even when she seemed happy in the years before her tragic death at the age of 33

By MARY MRAD, ASSISTANT SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

Jett Kenny has opened up about the tragic death of his sister Jaimi, who died last year at the age of 33 after secretly battling alcoholism and an eating disorder.

The 27-year-old model told HIT Queensland's Breakfast with Cliffo & Gabi that Jaimi was struggling with her mental health even when she seemed happy.

'It's behind closed doors [people struggle], it's not really a public conversation. It was the same for our family,' he said.

Candid: Jett Kenny (pictured) has opened up about the tragic death of his sister Jaimi, who died last year at the age of 33 after secretly battling alcoholism and an eating disorder

Candid: Jett Kenny (pictured) has opened up about the tragic death of his sister Jaimi, who died last year at the age of 33 after secretly battling alcoholism and an eating disorder

'When Jaimi was out in public it was all sunshine and rainbows, but with that comes the dark clouds and the storms. It's hard because you don't truly understand and I hope I never do and I'm never put in that situation,' he added.

'You can do everything you can for that person, but in the end it comes down to that person wanting to help themselves. It's an unfortunate situation.'

The Kenny-Curry family announced Jaimi's death on social media on September 15 last year, one day after her passing.

'Our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning with her loving family by her side,' Jaimi's mother, Lisa Curry, wrote at the time.

'It's hard': The 27-year-old model told HIT Queensland's Breakfast with Cliffo & Gabi that Jaimi (right) was struggling with her mental health even when she seemed happy

'It's hard': The 27-year-old model told HIT Queensland's Breakfast with Cliffo & Gabi that Jaimi (right) was struggling with her mental health even when she seemed happy

Her father, Grant, said: 'It is with a very heavy heart that Lisa and I confirm our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital this morning in the company of loving family.

'Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself.

'Our hearts are broken and the pain is immense but we must move forward cherishing every wonderful moment we got to share with our treasured first child.

Hidden struggle: 'When Jaimi was out in public it was all sunshine and rainbows, but with that comes the dark clouds and the storms. It's hard because you don't truly understand and I hope I never do and I'm never put in that situation,' he said

Hidden struggle: 'When Jaimi was out in public it was all sunshine and rainbows, but with that comes the dark clouds and the storms. It's hard because you don't truly understand and I hope I never do and I'm never put in that situation,' he said 

'We thank the incredible team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for their tireless commitment to making her better and giving us the extra time we were able to spend with her.

'It goes without saying that this is a very difficult time for family and friends and we trust we will all be allowed to grieve in privacy.'

It was later reported that Jaimi had battled alcoholism and an eating disorder before her death at a Sunshine Coast hospital.

For free and confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Foundation for eating disorder concerns on 1800 ED HOPE

Tragic: The Kenny-Curry family announced Jaimi's death on social media on September 15 last year, one day after her passing

Tragic: The Kenny-Curry family announced Jaimi's death on social media on September 15 last year, one day after her passing 

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