Authorities are investigating the sleeping practices of Kimberley Hartley, a New Zealand-born influencer and content creator based in Australia’s Gold Coast, following the death of her six-week-old son, Cash, who she reported died in his sleep.
Hartley, who also works as a sex worker and is known as Veruca Salt on social media, has faced criticism on TikTok for her continued online presence shortly after announcing her son’s death.
Despite backlash, Hartley defended her actions, highlighting the personal nature of grief and how social media can serve as a coping mechanism.
The police have found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and are compiling a report for the coroner. Meanwhile, Hartley has received support from others online, emphasising the individuality of the grieving process and the therapeutic potential of sharing one’s experiences on social media.
@verucasalt444 Replying to @Smurf ♬ original sound – veruca 🤍
That graffiti covered blob is an “innfluencer” ??
Lord help us.