Czech Esports Star Karel Twisten Ašenbrener Passes Away at 19

French eSports organization Team Vitality is saddened by the loss of their teammate.

Karel "Twisten" Ašenbrener, a talented Valorant player for Team Vitality, has tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 19, according to the team's assistant coach. The news was confirmed by Team Vitality in a statement posted on Twitter on June 6.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of our Valorant player Karel 'Twisten' Ašenbrener last night," the statement expressed. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."

The team further stated, "The entire Team Vitality Organization is in shock and mourning."

Harry "Gorilla" Mepham, assistant coach of Team Vitality, shared his grief and memories of Karel on Twitter, describing him as one of his closest friends. His heartfelt message was retweeted by the team.

"I woke up this morning to the news of one of my closest friends, someone who genuinely felt as if he was my brother, taking his own life," Mepham wrote. "Words cannot express the sorrow and emptiness I am currently feeling. I loved him and always will. Rest in peace, brother. We all love you."

In a subsequent message, Team Vitality emphasized the importance of mental health and urged individuals struggling with their inner battles to seek help and support.

Earlier this year, on February 25, Karel opened up about his battle with depression and self-harm in a tweet. He shared that he had spent time in a mental health hospital and had been dealing with depression for over two years.

"I have been struggling with depression for more than two years now," he revealed. "During the LOCK/IN event, I don't know if people noticed, but over Christmas, I engaged in harmful behavior."

Karel acknowledged that he had self-harmed and faced a dark period, considering ending his life. However, he expressed gratitude for his father's intervention, which saved him. He shared his experience of spending time in a mental health hospital and finding strength to move forward.

"It was an incredibly challenging time for me as an individual and as a professional eSports athlete," he concluded. "But after that period, I rediscovered my purpose in playing games and the significance of my team."

Karel's final tweet on the evening of June 6 simply read, "Good night."