Jill Janus, singer of the metal band Huntress, dies at 43

Jill Janus, lead singer of the heavy metal band Huntress, has died at age 43, her family and band said Thursday.

Janus had long struggled with mental Illness, and killed herself outside Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, her relatives and bandmates said in a statement released through publicist Alexandra Greenberg.

Janus fronted Huntress from the group's inception in Los Angeles in 2009, singing on three full-length albums and on tours with bands including Motorhead and Lamb of God.

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2016 file photo, Jill Janus of Huntress performs at Ozzfest 2016 at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, Calif. Janus, lead singer of the heavy metal band Huntress, has died at age 43. A statement from Janus' bandmates and family released Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, through publicist Alexandra Greenberg said Janus had long struggled with mental illness, and killed herself outside Portland, Ore., on Tuesday, Aug. 14. (Amy HarrisInvisionAP, File)

Founding member Blake Meahl said on his Facebook page Thursday that he and Janus "spent 9 years together creating a home, having a family and building our passion project Huntress. The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion i have ever experienced."

"I hope you have found the peace that you couldn't find on this planet" Meahl added.

The band's sound was classic thrash-inflected metal, with Janus, one of the few female vocalists in the genre, screaming through songs like "Spell Eater," ''Eight of Swords," and "Sorrow" with her long blonde hair and tight, black leather stage suits.

FILE - In this June 13, 2013 file photo, Jill Janus arrives for the Kerrang! Awards 2013 in London. Janus, lead singer of the heavy metal band Huntress, has died at age 43. A statement from Janus' bandmates and family released Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, through publicist Alexandra Greenberg said Janus had long struggled with mental illness, and killed herself outside Portland, Ore., on Tuesday, Aug. 14. (Photo by Jonathan ShortInvisionAP, File)

She also sang in an all-female metal band known as The Starbreakers on the side.

Janus had been an advocate for mental health and encouraged fans who were suffering to seek help. Her struggles with bi-polar disorder nearly brought an end to the band in 2018, but they returned for another album and more touring.

The family statement urges those considering harming themselves to call the national suicide-prevention hotline .

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods tied for 61st among the 74 players who finished. The top five advanced to regional qualifying.

Woods shot 40 on the front nine, opening bogey-double bogey. He followed a birdie on the par-3 fifth with another double bogey. He shot 41 on the back with three bogeys and a double bogey.

The U.S. Open will be played June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

Woods also struggled in February in a pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic, taking a 12 on a hole and shooting a 16-over 86 at Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound.

Woods has played the 36-hole PNC Championship with his father the last four years in a scramble format.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

FILE - Charlie Woods tees off during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods, failed to qualify for his first U.S. Open after shooting 9-over 81 on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.(AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski, File)