The actress is currently in Vancouver filming season 6 of the Netflix show

Alexandra Breckenridge has shared her devastation at the loss of one of her close friends. The Virgin River star announced her friend’s sad passing on her Instagram Stories, saying she felt compelled to share the news in acknowledgement of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Addressing her followers in a video, the actress began: “I feel like this is probably not advisable to talk about but I just found out that I lost one of my closest friends in my life. 

“She was like my sister. For a really long time she was my sister,” she continued, holding back tears.

Alexandra Breckenridge© @alexandrabreck/Instagram
Alexandra Breckenridge announced the death of her close friend on social media

“I just wanted to acknowledge that this happened and I don’t know why on Instagram but everything is so happy and perky all the time and we don’t always take the time,” explained the star.

While Alexandra didn’t share any details about the death, she did open up about her friend’s struggle with mental health. “Part of the reason, I think, that I felt compelled to say anything was because I saw that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and my dearly departed friend really struggled with mental health and depression,” said the 41-year-old.

WATCH: Alexandra Breckenridge announces passing of close friend

Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge shares heartache over devastating loss over close friend

Alexandra Breckenridge has shared her devastation at the loss of one of her close friends. The Virgin River star announced her friend’s sad passing on her Instagram Stories.

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“These are real things that happen to people and when something happens in your life that is catastrophic like this and you want to reach out and be there for someone, it’s always a good reminder to reach out,” she continued. “You might not think that someone wants you to reach out, maybe they don’t, but maybe they needed it.

Alexandra Breckenridge in Virgin River© Netflix
Alexandra is best known for playing Mel in Virgin River

“Anyways, Mental Health Awareness Month. May,” she added, blowing a kiss to the camera.