Gawker posts this regarding the weekend death of Brenda You, a freelance writer who had the unusual profile of having been a Playboy model, a protege of Bonnie Fuller at Star magazine and an aspiring medical student:

Brenda You, formerly the West Coast bureau chief for Star magazine, committed suicide in Los Angeles Sunday night, the Los Angeles County Coroner has confirmed to Gawker. You has recently been shopping her first novel, Blood Red Carpet, and freelancing, including for Radar Online. She was also a frequent — and friendly — email correspondent to Gawker, and we are shocked and saddened by this news.

You's only previous mention on LAObserved, in September, concerned a Page Six blurb on her proposal for Blood Red Carpet. The book was said to be an erotic thriller about a Hollywood actress who becomes a serial killer. You sent me a nice "thank you" email after the mention and sounded like she was looking forward to the book selling. The website PerezHilton.com says that You was a single mother and left behind a young daughter.

* Page Six adds: You was 38, her daughter is 12, and the coroner is calling it an apparent suicide. Tuesday 12:15 am

Further update with more details