Ironman Jett Kenny opens up about sister Jaimi’s death as he wears red lipstick for women’s mental health

Three years after the tragic death of Jaimi Kenny, ironman and model Jett Kenny has opened up about the loss of his sister and how he wants to make a difference.

It’s been three years since model and ironman Jett Kenny lost his beloved sister Jaimi aged just 33.

And life has never been the same for the family, who still grieve the loss of Jaimi after her secret battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder.

Now, Kenny — the son of Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry and ironman Grant Kenny — has vowed to use his grief to help stop another family from going through the same heartache.

Jaimi Kenny died after a long battle with mental health. Picture: Instagram

The 29-year-old — who is dating influencer Lily Brown — said his family is “no different” from other Australians struggling with the effects of mental health other than that they’re “in the public eye”.

He said he keeps photographs with Jaimi in his bedroom as a way of “remembering and honouring” her memory every day.

“How I would deal with the grief is different compared to how mum deals with it. Obviously as a parent, that’s not something you’d never want to go through,” Kenny said.

Jaimi Kenny with her brother Jett, sister Morgan and her husband Ryan and their son Flynn.

Jaimi was on life support at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, before she died on September 14, 2020, surrounded by her family.

“The past three years have had their ups and downs, but for me I now look at it as something part of life and these things do happen,” Kenny said.

“Obviously we have times where some days are harder than others, especially around birthdays, Easter and Christmas.”

Alarmingly, about one in every two Australian women are experiencing mental illness, but less than half (48 per cent) are seeking help.

That’s why in May, Kenny will be donning bright red lipstick to show his support for women’s mental health, after losing his sister following her mental health struggle which led to further underlying health issues.

As the new ambassador for the inaugural Lip-Stick It campaign, he is encouraging Aussie men to wear lipstick on May 11 in support of the women in their lives.

In 2021, there were 3144 suicide deaths in Australia, with female suicide rates increasing by five per cent.

Jaimi Kenny (second left), Jett and sister Morgan with their mum Lisa Curry. Picture: Instagram

“I’m very honoured and sort of taken aback when people think of me for these kinds of things,” Kenny said.

“But I do have to remember that I have a voice, more so than probably the average person because of who I am and who my parents are. I have a bit more reach than the typical person.

“So I want to do my part to help spread the word about women’s mental health and talk about it more.”

Growing up, Kenny admitted he wasn’t “fully aware” about what his sister was dealing with and it wasn’t until later on he “grasped the severity” of her mental health battle.

“People with mental health issues want to be seen … Jaimi was, and will be, remembered as this bright, bubbly girl who always put other people before herself,” Kenny said.

Jett is encouraging all men to wear red lipstick on May 11 and raise money for women’s mental health. Picture: Supplied

Australian Ironman Jett Kenny dons red lipstick to support women's mental health after the tragic loss of his sister Jaimi. Picture: Supplied

“One thing I took from this all is that people, like my sister, are trying to find their voice so they need a way to talk about their problems … Where there’s sunshine and rainbows, there’s always storms and dark clouds to follow.

“And Jaimi wasn‘t the most communicative person and I guess that’s sort of a defence mechanism people will go through because they don’t want to burden others or they don’t understand how to talk about it.”

Jett Kenny with his influencer girlfriend Lily Brown. Picture: Instagram

All funds raised from the Lip-Stick It campaign will go directly to women’s mental health support through investment in programs, further initiatives, support services, and research to address the gender mental health gap.

Those interested in supporting the Liptember Foundation can register and set up a profile at lipstickit.com.au or donate through Kenny’s fundraiser via his Instagram.

Originally published as Ironman Jett Kenny opens up about sister Jaimi’s death as he wears red lipstick for women’s mental health