Charlotte Dawson dead, 'Australia's Next Top Model' judge commits suicide after depressing Twitter abuse, actor Russell Crowe 'breaks down in tears' over tragic death

Reports confirm that Charlotte Dawson, former "Australia's Next Top Model" judge, committed suicide on Saturday (Feb. 22). The 47-year-old beauty had a history of depression, and took her own life after receiving abuse on the popular social networking site, Twitter.

Authorities found the New Zealand-born starlet dead in her Sydney apartment early Saturday morning. No foul play is expected. Reports confirm that a real estate agent initially discovered Dawson's lifeless body when he arrived to inspect the property ahead of its auction at around 11:18 a.m.

The Twitter bullying and trolling started back in 2012, when Dawson was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital after making her first suicide attempt. She was found in a "fragile state" by a former "Australia's Next Top Model" finalist. At the time, Dawson was involved in an anti-cyber bullying initiative called Community Brave - she then became the victim of an organised online harassment campaign. Dawson made it her mission to end such cyber hate, and she was later deemed an anti-bullying ambassador by the National Rugby League. She also appeared on Channel 9's 60 Minutes to tell her side of the story and promote the cause. However, this only prompted more hurtful online attacks, which drove Dawson further into depression. She also started receiving violent and explicit death threats. In her autobiography "Air Kiss & Tell," Dawson said she was frequently visited by the "depression bogeyman." 

"I've never had death threats of this ferocity. I've never had a campaign of this ferocity," she once told the Daily Telegraph.

Back in November, Dawson said she wanted to take a "break from the spotlight" after she was dropped from the "Top Model" judging table due to a cast "shake-up." She wanted to become an agent at Sydney's Regency Road estate agents.

The stunning fashionista was a popular model and television personality.

Dawson's former boss, Foxtel Chief Brian Walsh, released this official statement following her sudden death:

"This is tragic news and deeply sad. Everyone at Foxtel is devastated. Our sympathies are with Charlotte's family and friends."

Upon hearing of Dawson's tragic passing, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key tweeted that he was "shocked and saddened."

Fans and fellow celebrities continue offering their shocked condolences on Twitter. Actor Russell Crowe, Dawson's close friend and neighbor in Woolloomooloo, reportedly broke down in tears when he heard about the suicide. He later tweeted:

@russellcrowe: "Charley D...Just don't understand. There's not enough kind souls as it is. Rest in peace."

RIP, Charlotte Dawson.