Billy LeBlanc has announced the heartbreaking loss of his partner, Natalie Clark.
LeBlanc - a prominent YouTube personality known for his family vlogs under the account Bratayleys - due to complications from a serious bacterial infection contracted after allegedly consuming raw oysters.
LeBlanc, 44, took to Instagram to share the devastating news, revealing that both he and Clark had fallen ill with Vibrio vulnificus, a rare and severe bacterial infection known to cause fever, chills, and skin lesions, which can quickly become life-threatening if untreated.
"Unfortunately, Natalie didn’t make it and she passed away," LeBlanc wrote in his emotional post. "I will always remember how we got lost everywhere together. I will always love her and miss her."
The couple’s tragic ordeal unfolded recently, with LeBlanc also disclosing that he narrowly escaped death himself, spending eight days in the ICU.
In a new video update thanking people for their support, LeBlanc said he was "out of it" most of the time he was in the hospital. "When I woke up, she was gone," he said.
He also confirmed that his heartbreak was real, responding to doubters in the comments section who believe it may be a social media stunt.
His mother, Yvette Berthelot LeBlanc, shared the family’s anguish on Facebook, describing the past weeks as exceptionally challenging for their entire family.
"Please continue to pray for Natalie’s son Julian, for her family, and for Billy, both for his health and his heart," she wrote.
Vibrio vulnificus infections are typically associated with consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to severe bloodstream infections. Approximately 20% of cases can be fatal, PEOPLE reports.
Before her tragic death, Natalie Clark was introduced to LeBlanc’s online community in 2020, appearing in his videos and posts as his girlfriend.
She leaves behind her 17-year-old son, Julian Clark, an aspiring actor who, like his mother, was actively involved in creating content on his own YouTube channel.
This devastating loss adds to the challenges LeBlanc and his family have faced in recent years. In October 2015, they mourned the passing of Caleb - LeBlanc’s son from a previous relationship - who died at the age of 13 from natural causes.
Despite these tragedies, the Bratayleys channel continued to resonate with viewers for its candid portrayal of family life until 2019 when LeBlanc and his ex-wife, Katie LeBlanc, ended their marriage. As of this writing, it has amassed over 7.7 million subscribers.
Subsequently, LeBlanc launched his own channel, Just Billy LeBlanc, where he continued to document his life with his children and introduced Natalie Clark to his audience. The channel currently has over 208,000 subscribers.
Tributes have poured in on LeBlanc's social channels, with one fan writing: "Can’t imagine this happening to you all over again. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Another added: "Praying for you Billy. I never met Natalie in person but followed y’all for years and could feel the love you shared for each other. I cried when I learned of her passing and can’t begin to imagine what you must be experiencing right now."
Our thoughts go out to Natalie's family, friends, and fans right now.
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