YouTube star MrBeast, known for his high-budget, emotionally-driven challenges, nearly scrapped a major video documenting a friend's dramatic weight loss journey following a tragedy that occurred during filming.
The video featured MrBeast’s longtime friend Majd, who was challenged to lose 100 pounds (around 7 stone) over the course of six months.
To support the effort, MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) arranged for a fully personalised training environment, including a private chef, custom home gym, and a dedicated personal trainer, Coach Tyler Wall.
To raise the stakes, MrBeast offered Majd a significant financial reward if he reached his goal, but with one condition: Majd would remain in the controlled environment until he completed the weight loss challenge.
The project, which ultimately resulted in Majd’s successful transformation, was nearly shelved after Coach Wall, a vital part of Majd’s progress and emotional support, died unexpectedly before the final video was completed.
According to MrBeast and his team, Wall's passing was sudden and unrelated to the filming. Out of respect for his family, the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, per The Tribune.
MrBeast reportedly offered to cancel the release entirely if Wall’s family felt it was inappropriate to share the footage. Ultimately, with their blessing, the team chose to move forward with the video while making several changes to honor Wall's memory.
“This wasn’t about views, it was about honoring someone who gave his all to help someone else change their life,” MrBeast said during a livestream. “We didn’t want it to feel like we were using Coach Wall’s legacy for content.”
He added in a follow-up post: "I offered Majd $250,000 to live in a gym until he lost 100 pounds.
"I thought this would be a normal video but it ended up being the most powerful and emotional piece of content I’ve ever made."
The video, which has garnered over 74 million views at the time of writing, highlights not only Majd’s physical transformation but also his emotional journey.
Throughout the six months, Majd speaks candidly about his long-standing struggles with body image and the mental toll it took on him.
“Majd has struggled with his weight for years, and we all wanted to see him healthy and thriving,” MrBeast says in the video.
“This challenge was about giving him the motivation and tools to make real, lasting change, and we were with him every step of the way.”
Majd paid tribute to his late trainer in the video, saying: “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Coach Wall. I owe so much to him. This video is for him.”
Coach Tyler Wall is remembered by both Majd and the MrBeast team as a source of unwavering positivity and dedication, leaving behind a legacy not only of expertise but of genuine compassion and mentorship.