Fiancé of Late Fitness Influencer Stephanie Buttermore Candidly Details Grappling with ‘Bad’ Depression Following Her Death

In a poignant display of vulnerability, Jeff Nippard, the fiancé of beloved fitness influencer Stephanie Buttermore, has provided a sincere update on his mental health journey nearly three months after her tragic passing. Nippard, who has amassed nearly four million followers on Instagram, took to the platform on May 24 to share his struggles since Buttermore’s death at the age of 36.

Buttermore’s passing was announced on March 6 through an Instagram post from Nippard’s team, which conveyed the profound sorrow felt by both the couple’s friends and fans. “It is with profound sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” the post read, yet the reason for her death has not yet been disclosed. Nippard expressed that the loss was immeasurable and that Stephanie had meant the world to him.

In his recent Instagram update, Nippard offered a glimpse into his current state. The fitness expert shared that the weight of his grief has severely impacted his motivation to engage in physical exercise. “My depression has been bad, so my strength is down a lot and for the first time I can remember, I have no real desire to work out,” he stated. Despite this, he noted that the act of exercising—even minimally—has had its own therapeutic value. He mentioned how just lifting an empty barbell can be a manageable starting point for him, often leading to a complete workout despite initial reluctance.

Nippard also revealed that he had temporarily relocated to a friend’s basement, where he has been using limited gym equipment to maintain some form of routine. He acknowledged that while the lack of a full setup was challenging, it prompted him to think creatively about his workouts. The simplicity of the environment, he remarked, allowed him to reset his focus amid the waves of his emotional turmoil.

Prior to her untimely death, Buttermore had celebrated her 36th birthday on February 25 and had been open about her struggles with mental health. In May 2024, she decided to take a break from social media, citing crippling anxiety, but had found that stepping back improved her mental well-being. With a dedicated following of over 525,000 on Instagram and more than one million YouTube subscribers, Buttermore was a prominent voice for body positivity and intuitive eating, specifically tailored to women’s health issues.

In the weeks following Buttermore’s death, Nippard took a break from his social media presence, reflecting on their life together and the memories they shared. On April 28, he spoke publicly about his grief, sharing a heartfelt tribute to his late partner. He recalled the support of Buttermore’s family and friends, emphasising the importance of celebrating her life and the legacies she left behind. “When I think about Stephanie, I keep coming back to how loving and kind she was,” he stated, highlighting her impact on those around her.

Nippard fondly remembered the moment he fell in love with Buttermore, which occurred while reading her Ph.D. dissertation on ovarian cancer—a subject close to her heart. Her commitment to raising awareness and assisting others in their personal journeys was a hallmark of her content on social media, and her efforts have had a lasting influence on countless individuals.

In his tribute, Nippard acknowledged Buttermore’s close relationships, particularly with her family. Expressing his love for her, he noted, “She always put her family first and she had an especially loving bond with her mum,” adding that they created a garden in her honour, adorned with purple—her favourite colour.

Nippard’s raw honesty serves as a reminder of the depths of grief and the importance of seeking support when navigating such painful experiences. He thanked his followers for their understanding during this challenging period, as he endeavours to find his own way forward.

For anyone facing mental health challenges, support options are available and individuals are encouraged to reach out to resources such as helplines or mental health services. The struggles surrounding mental health are universal, and sharing one’s journey can illuminate pathways for others who are similarly affected.