Adult Film Star August Ames Dies Aged 23

The popular adult film actress, August Ames, has passed away at the age of 23, her husband has confirmed.

The Canada-born actress died on Tuesday in Camarillo, California, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner.

Toxicology reports are being conducted and the official cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.

Ames' husband, adult film director Kevin Moore, said in a statement: "She was the kindest person I ever knew and she meant the world to me." Moore has asked for privacy in the wake of Ames' death.

Ames received severe criticism on Twitter over the weekend after refusing to complete a scene with a man because he'd previously starred in gay porn, saying: "I do homework for my body".

Fans and others slammed her for being homophobic, which she strenuously denied. Instead, Ames said that her comments were not meant to be malicious and she was just looking after her own health.

Ames' final tweet, posted on Tuesday, simply said: "fuck y'all".

Numerous figures in the porn industry were deeply shocked by the news of Ames' death, with fellow porn star Abella Danger tweeting: "She was the most kind-hearted person ever."

Producer/director Jules Jordan added: "Rest In Peace to August Ames, one of the best, nicest people I ever knew in the business."

Yesterday, fellow porn star Annika Albrite, a friend of Ames, even implied that the recent backlash may have contributed to her death.

"Omg,I can't believe she's dead," Albrite tweeted. "You people should have known better than to berate her over her personal thoughts! Shame on all you for beating it into the ground.

"Online harassment is a real thing & it claimed another life. Someone who I liked & would have even called a friend!"

Ames, whose real name is Mercedes Grabowski, had starred in over 270 adult films since making her acting debut in 2013.