The world of cosplay lost a beloved figure as Shi Ye, known online as Maoyouyou, tragically left the world at the age of 24. Her untimely d*ath, which occurred on February 25 at 5:20 PM, has left the anime community in shock. A familiar presence at conventions across China, she had garnered a following of 51,000 fans who admired her dedication to the art of cosplay.
Her passing was announced by her family, who chose to keep her mobile number and social media accounts active as a memorial to the joy she brought to her fans. They expressed their desire to leave these platforms open as a way for people to share their love and remembrance.
The news of her d*ath has sparked widespread sorrow online, with many sympathising with her personal battles, particularly her financial hardships and struggles with mental health. A day before her passing, she had hosted a livestream dressed as one of her favourite anime characters. Viewers noted her visibly drained appearance as she spoke candidly about her difficulties. She shared her challenges in maintaining her Beijing apartment, where she had lived for three years and admitted to feeling unwell both physically and mentally.
She described her state of being as one of detachment, expressing that she found comfort only in lying in bed, unable to muster the energy to engage with the world. She also mentioned that she had gone two days without eating and struggled to get medical assistance, finding it impossible to secure a hospital appointment. Just hours before her d*ath, she posted a haunting message on social media, hinting at a final goodbye.
In a chilling coincidence, the time of her passing (5:20 PM) mirrored her birth date — May 20, a detail that has left fans with an even deeper sense of loss. Many of her followers shared heartfelt messages, recalling how her live-streams had inspired them. One admirer recounted how her enthusiasm had given them the confidence to attend an anime convention for the first time, lamenting the loss of the once-optimistic person they had come to know. Others reflected on the importance of paying closer attention to those silently struggling with mental health issues.
Her departure serves as a poignant reminder of the unseen battles many face and the need for compassion and support in times of distress. Though Maoyouyou is gone, her influence and the joy she brought to the cosplay world will not be forgotten.
