Influencer mum who inspired millions dies suddenly – leaving behind five children

The death was 'sudden and so unexpected'

Raechelle Chase leaves behind five children, including seven-year-old twins.

She died earlier this month, but her cause of death has not yet been revealed.

It has been described in media reports as "sudden and so unexpected" and has been referred to the Coroner.

Chase, who was the first New Zealand woman to take part in the figure Olympia bodybuilding championships in 2011 in Las Vegas, had more than 1.4 million online followers. She regularly posted about staying fit as a single mum and offered online fitness mentoring.

Chase's eldest daughter, Anna, paid tribute to her mum, writing: "She was supportive, kind-hearted and always had the best advice for us. She was a wildly driven woman with ambition who has inspired millions of people around the world."

Chase separated from her husband, Chris Chase, in 2015 after 14 years together.

The influencer's friend, Keith O'Connell wrote: "Not going to lie, very few things in my life hit me as hard as your passing… You had so much left to live. So much love to give.

"You were, still are, and always will be one of the kindest beautiful souls I will ever have experienced."

Chase's last social media post was on September 30.

It was about growing through difficult times. She wrote: "Growth can be painful, change can be painful but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong."

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice told New Zealand media outlet, Stuff, that Chase's death will be looked into, but wouldn't comment further "given the recent nature of the death".

In 2016, Chase told Stuff about leaving a “toxic and abusive” relationship following her split from her husband.

“The relationship I was in taught me many things about what I don't want, and what I need to steer very clear of. It wasn't just me that suffered, it was my entire family,” she said.

"So if you know you are in an abusive relationship and you don't have the courage to leave, do it for your children. Grab hold of whatever you need long enough to survive crawling out of that hole because I promise you it will be worth it."