YouTube is a platform that allows anyone to create and share videos with millions of people around the world. Some YouTubers become famous and influential, attracting loyal fans and earning money from their content. However, not all YouTubers have a happy ending. Some of them die unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of videos and memories. Here are some of the most famous YouTubers that have died:
1. Etika (real name: Desmond Amofah)
Etika was a 29-year-old YouTuber who was known for hosting live streams and creating videos covering video games, especially Nintendo games. He had a charismatic and energetic personality, and often interacted with his fans, who called themselves the JoyCon Boyz. He also had a history of mental health issues, and had been hospitalized several times for suicidal behavior.
In June 2019, Etika posted a concerning video titled “I’m Sorry” on his secondary channel, where he expressed his regrets and apologized to his fans, friends, and family. He also hinted at his plans to end his life. The video was deleted shortly after, but not before it was downloaded and reuploaded by others. Etika was reported missing by the police, who found his belongings on the Manhattan Bridge. A few days later, his body was recovered from the East River. His death was ruled a suicide by drowning.
Etika’s death sparked a wave of grief and tributes from his fans and fellow YouTubers, as well as a discussion about mental health awareness and support in the online community. His channel currently has over 1.2 million subscribers.
2. XXXTentacion (real name: Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy)
XXXTentacion was a 20-year-old rapper and singer who rose to fame on YouTube with his controversial and emotional music. He had a loyal fan base, as well as many critics who accused him of being violent, abusive, and homophobic. He was also involved in several legal issues, including charges of domestic violence, robbery, and assault.
In June 2018, XXXTentacion was shot and killed while leaving a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The police arrested four suspects who were allegedly involved in the robbery and murder. His death shocked and saddened his fans and fellow musicians, many of whom paid tribute to him on social media and in their songs.
XXXTentacion’s channel currently has over 23.7 million subscribers, making him one of the most subscribed musicians on YouTube. His posthumous albums and songs have also achieved commercial success and critical acclaim.
3. Caleb Logan Bratayley (real name: Caleb Logan LeBlanc)
Caleb Logan Bratayley was a 13-year-old YouTuber who was part of the Bratayley family vlog channel, along with his parents and two younger sisters. The channel documented their daily lives, adventures, and challenges, attracting millions of viewers who enjoyed their wholesome and fun content.
In October 2015, Caleb Logan Bratayley died unexpectedly in his sleep due to an undetected heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His death was announced by his parents on Instagram, who also shared a video of him taken the day before he passed away. His fans and fellow YouTubers expressed their condolences and support for the Bratayley family.
The Bratayley channel continued to upload videos after Caleb Logan Bratayley’s death, honoring his memory and celebrating his life. The channel currently has over 7 million subscribers.
4. Christina Grimmie (real name: Christina Victoria Grimmie)
Christina Grimmie was a 22-year-old singer and songwriter who started her YouTube career in 2009 by posting covers of popular songs. She gained a large fan base with her powerful voice and charming personality, earning over 3 million subscribers on her channel. She also participated in the sixth season of The Voice in 2014, where she finished in third place.
In June 2016, Christina Grimmie was shot and killed by a fan while signing autographs after a concert in Orlando, Florida. The shooter then killed himself after being tackled by Christina Grimmie’s brother. Her death shocked and devastated her fans and fellow musicians, who mourned her loss and praised her talent . Christina Grimmie’s channel currently has over 4 million subscribers, and her posthumous music has been released by her family and team.
5. Technoblade (real name: Dave)
Technoblade was a 21-year-old YouTuber who was known for his skills and commentary on Minecraft, especially on the Hypixel server. He had a witty and sarcastic humor and often collaborated with other YouTubers, such as Dream, TommyInnit, and Wilbur Soot. He was also a member of the Dream SMP, a popular Minecraft roleplay server.
In August 2021, Technoblade revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and that he was undergoing chemotherapy. He also thanked his fans for their support and donations to charity. His announcement shocked and saddened his fans and friends, who wished him a speedy recovery and expressed their admiration for him.
In September 2021, Technoblade passed away due to complications from his cancer. His death was confirmed by his family and friends on social media, who also shared their memories and tributes to him. His fans and fellow YouTubers also mourned his death and celebrated his legacy .
Technoblade’s channel currently has over 9 million subscribers, making him one of the most subscribed Minecraft YouTubers.
6. Monty Oum (real name: Monyreak Oum)
Monty Oum was a 33-year-old animator and director who worked for Rooster Teeth, a production company that creates online videos and shows. He was the creator of the popular web series RWBY, as well as the co-director of Red vs. Blue. He was also known for his fan-made animations, such as Haloid and Dead Fantasy.
In January 2015, Monty Oum suffered a severe allergic reaction during a medical procedure, which put him in a coma. He died ten days later due to anaphylactic shock. His death was announced by Rooster Teeth on their website, who also launched a fundraiser to support his family.
Monty Oum’s work has been continued by his colleagues and friends at Rooster Teeth, who have kept his vision and style alive in RWBY and other projects. His fans and fellow animators have also honored his memory and creativity.
7. Edd Gould (real name: Edward Duncan Ernest Gould)
Edd Gould was a 23-year-old animator and voice actor who created the web series Eddsworld, which featured himself and his friends as cartoon characters in various comedic situations. He started making animations on Newgrounds in 2003, and later moved to YouTube in 2006. He had a quirky and imaginative style, and often incorporated references to pop culture and video games.
In April 2012, Edd Gould died after a six-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. His death was announced by his friend and co-star Tom Ridgewell on YouTube, who also shared a tribute video to him .
Edd Gould’s legacy has been carried on by his friends and fans, who have continued to produce Eddsworld episodes and comics under the banner of Eddsworld Legacy. His channel currently has over 2 million subscribers.
8. Corey La Barrie (real name: Corey James La Barrie)
Corey La Barrie was a 25-year-old YouTuber who made videos with his friends, such as Kian Lawley, JC Caylen, Crawford Collins, and Franny Arrieta. He also had a podcast called Reality House with Kian Lawley. He had a fun-loving and outgoing personality, and often pranked or challenged his friends.
In May 2020, Corey La Barrie died in a car crash on his birthday in Los Angeles, California. He was a passenger in a McLaren sports car driven by Daniel Silva, a tattoo artist who appeared on Ink Master. The car lost control and hit a street sign and a tree. Silva survived the crash with minor injuries but was arrested for murder. Corey La Barrie’s death shocked and saddened his fans and friends, who paid tribute to him on social media and in their videos. His channel currently has over 1 million subscribers.
9. Claire Wineland (real name: Claire Lucia Wineland)
Claire Wineland was a 21-year-old YouTuber and activist who shared her experiences of living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs. She also founded Claire’s Place Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis. She had a positive and inspiring attitude, and often spoke about topics such as death, happiness, and purpose.
In September 2018, Claire Wineland died due to complications from a lung transplant surgery that she underwent in August. She suffered a stroke after the surgery, which caused brain damage and left
10. Angry Grandpa (real name: Charles Marvin Green Jr.)
Angry Grandpa was a 67-year-old YouTuber who starred in the Angry Grandpa Show, a comedy series that featured him reacting to various pranks, news, and events, often with rage and profanity. He was also known for his interactions with his son Michael Green, who ran the channel and filmed the videos. He had a loyal fan base who enjoyed his humor and personality.
In December 2017, Angry Grandpa died due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver and skin cancer. His death was announced by his son on YouTube, who also shared a tribute video to him . Angry Grandpa’s channel currently has over 4 million subscribers, and his son continues to upload videos on his own channel, KidBehindACamera.
Conclusion
YouTube is more than just a platform for entertainment. It is also a platform for expression, connection, and inspiration. The YouTubers who have died have left behind a legacy of videos that touched millions of people around the world. They have also shown us the value of life, the power of creativity, and the importance of kindness. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: How many YouTubers have died?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different sources may have different criteria for defining who is a YouTuber. However, according to one website that tracks YouTube deaths, there have been over 200 YouTubers who have died since 2006.
Q: What are some of the causes of death for YouTubers?
A: Some of the common causes of death for YouTubers are suicide, cancer, car accidents, shootings, drug overdoses, heart attacks, strokes, and illnesses.
Q: How do fans cope with the death of their favorite YouTubers?
A: Fans cope with the death of their favorite YouTubers in different ways. Some of the common ways are:
- Watching their videos and remembering their best moments
- Leaving comments and messages of condolence and support on their social media accounts
- Creating fan art, videos, songs, or other tributes to honor them
- Donating to their charities or foundations
- Seeking help from friends, family, or professionals if they feel depressed or suicidal
Q: How do other YouTubers react to the death of their peers?
A: Other YouTubers react to the death of their peers in different ways. Some of the common ways are:
- Making videos or posts to express their grief and pay tribute to them
- Collaborating with other YouTubers to raise awareness or funds for their causes
- Taking a break from social media or YouTube to process their emotions
- Reaching out to their fans or communities for support
- Seeking help from friends, family, or professionals if they feel depressed or suicidal
Q: How do YouTube or other platforms handle the death of YouTubers?
A: YouTube or other platforms handle the death of YouTubers in different ways. Some of the common ways are:
- Leaving their channels or accounts active as a memorial
- Removing their channels or accounts if they violate their policies or terms of service
- Providing resources or tools for fans or families to report or flag inappropriate content or comments
- Offering condolences or recognition to their families or representatives
Q: What are some of the benefits of being a YouTuber?
A: Some of the benefits of being a YouTuber are:
- Having a creative outlet to express yourself and share your passions
- Reaching a large audience and making an impact on people’s lives
- Earning money from ads, sponsorships, merchandise, or other sources
- Having flexible hours and working from anywhere
- Having fun and enjoying what you do
Q: What are some of the challenges or risks of being a YouTuber?
A: Some of the challenges or risks of being a YouTuber are:
- Facing criticism, hate, harassment, or threats from online trolls or haters
- Dealing with stress, pressure, or burnout from producing content or meeting expectations
- Balancing your personal and professional life and maintaining your privacy
- Facing legal issues, such as copyright infringement, defamation, or lawsuits
- Facing physical or mental health issues, such as injuries, illnesses, or addiction
Q: How can YouTubers protect themselves and their fans from harm?
A: Some of the ways that YouTubers can protect themselves and their fans from harm are:
- Being careful about what they share online and who they trust
- Using security features, such as passwords, encryption, or verification
- Reporting or blocking abusive or suspicious users or content
- Seeking help from authorities, experts, or professionals if they encounter any problems or threats
- Taking care of their physical and mental health and seeking help if they need it
Q: How can YouTubers grow their channels and increase their views?
A: Some of the ways that YouTubers can grow their channels and increase their views are:
- Making high-quality, original, and engaging content that appeals to their target audience
- Using effective titles, thumbnails, tags, descriptions, and keywords to optimize their videos for search and discovery
- Promoting their videos on social media, blogs, forums, or other platforms
- Collaborating with other YouTubers or influencers to cross-promote their content
- Interacting with their fans and building a loyal community
Q: How can YouTubers make a positive difference in the world?
A: Some of the ways that YouTubers can make a positive difference in the world are:
- Raising awareness or funds for important causes or issues that they care about
- Educating or inspiring their viewers to learn new things or pursue their dreams
- Entertaining or comforting their viewers with humor, music, or stories
- Supporting or empowering their viewers with advice, tips, or resources
- Being a role model or leader for their viewers and setting a good example