YouTube star Stevie Ryan died in suicide, L.A. County coroner finds

YouTube star and TV host Stevie Ryan died on Saturday in what the Los Angeles County coroner’s office has determined was a suicide by hanging.

The body of Ryan, who had made her name on a YouTube series called “Little Loca� before appearing in the VH1 series “Stevie TV� and hosting an E! channel, was found in her home in the 1400 block of South Ogden Drive in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles. She recently hosted a podcast about depression. Coroner’s records showed an autopsy and investigation determined it was a death by hanging as a result of a suicide by the actress.

The 33-year-old posted a tweet Friday about the recent death of her grandfather. “The man of my dreams will now only be in my dreams. I’ll miss you everyday, forever. I love you my Pa, � she wrote. She also mentioned her grandfather in a recent podcast, questioning whether his death could send her into a deeper depression.

A native of Victorville, Ryan launched her Web career dabbling with a video camera and making posts on YouTube of herself portraying crazy characters. “Little Loca,� who Ryan said was inspired by “tough chicks� she knew growing up, became a YouTube hit.

Ryan’s budding career mirrored the path taken by some musicians. The popular band Fall Out Boy carefully cultivated an online following through YouTube and MySpace before signing with Universal Music Group’s Island Def Jam.

Kristen Carney, a longtime collaborator, said on Twitter: “RIP StevieRyan The coolest girl I’ve ever known.�

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Twitter: @lacrimes

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UPDATES:

2:35 a.m.: Updated with comments from Kristen Carney.