'She had a big heart': family and friends remember young mental health advocate for her passion to help others

A mental health advocate who has shared her own mental health journal with CTV over the years has died by suicide

A mental health advocate who has shared her own mental health journal with CTV over the years has died by suicide.

Kristin Legault-Donkers of St. Thomas was known for raising awareness on mental health issues and pointed to how the system could be improved.

"he was very kind and passionate about making a difference in mental health," said Antonette Lane, a family friend.

Those close to her describe her as a young woman who never stopped finding ways to help others.

Her grandmother Joanne Donkers said, "a lot of people came to her for help and she would talk to them for hours. They all turned to Kristin."

Last Friday, Legault-Donkers died by suicide at the age of 25.

Kristin's family said Kristin was a gifted student who was working on getting her Masters degree in social work at the university of Windsor. Previously, she had earned a degree in psychology and disability studies from King’s University College, her grandmother said.