Investigator: August Ames Did Not Carry Out Suicide at Home

LOS ANGELES—August Ames took her own life Tuesday at a public park near her home, according to Waleed Kilany, deputy medical examiner investigator for Ventura County, contradicting widespread reports that the suicide occurred at her residence. Ames was found at Camarillo Grove park by a bystander who called 911 at 3:46 a.m. on Dec. 5, Kilany confirmed Friday. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to asphyxia from hanging with a rope, the investigator said. There were no signs of foul play. Kilany said officials found a note in Ames’ journal that was left in her car parked at Camarillo Grove that had “suicidal undertones.” A toxicology test has been ordered that will take 8 to 12 weeks, the investigator said. The beloved adult star was a two-time AVN Award-winning performer whose career spanned four years and more than 270 movies. She is nominated for AVN Female Performer of the Year for the 2018 AVN Awards in January. Earlier this week Ames endured a barrage of cyberbullying for a tweet she sent out on Dec. 3 in which she stated she was cancelling her booking the following day because her male scene partner had previously performed in gay scenes. Many of her Twitter followers and some members of the adult industry took issue with her comment as being “homophobic,” leading to a series of tweets over the next two days that were critical of her original post and her subsequent posts defending it. In the wake of the tragedy, many adult industry professionals—including representatives from industry trade groups FSC and APAC—have urged industry members to practice civility and sensitivity when it comes to matters of differing opinions on social media, citing the potentially harmful effects of cyberbullying. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as crisis resources and best practices for professionals.   For additional coverage of Ames' career, click here.