A famous social media star known as @Waffler69 has passed away from a suspected heart attack at the age of 33.

The death of the TikTok influencer, whose real name was Taylor LeJeune, was announced by his brother Clayton through a video posted to the platform on January 12.

The sibling disclosed that the online star died "from a presumed heart attack," at around 10:00 PM on January 11 after he was rushed to a Louisiana hospital.

Speaking to TMZ about his devastating loss, Clayton revealed that the TikToker has been suffering from some discomfort for a while, and contacted his mum before calling the ambulance. He also added that Taylor's dad and grandfather both suffered from genetic heart problems.

The social media star started making videos in the mid-2000s under the name Waffler69 on YouTube. He later took his market to other apps such as Instagram, but it didn’t really blow up until he launched a TikTok page.

He had a whopping 1.8 million followers on the platform at the time of his death announcement and was known for eating strange foods such as canned cheeseburgers and a range of expired foods.

Every time a fast food company ran a humorous promotion - such as McDonald's with the Land, Air, and Sea combo - Taylor was always ready to make video content with it.

His most popular video on the platform is him eating a promotional cereal for the 1989 Batman film directed by Tim Burton - with the stomach-turning clip racking up 5.5 million views.

His last upload came on January 11 - the day of his death - when he videoed himself eating a huge piece of Fruit Loops cereal dipped in milk. Under the video, many of his followers began to share their tributes to the online star.

One user wrote: "I’m devastated. This was a good guy. A damn good guy. Rest up bro."

Another user said: "You were so full of love and fun. We will all miss you."

A third commented: "I’m so glad you shared your joyful energy with us. you will be missed by me and so many. Rest easy."

A fourth shared: "I’m so sad rn crying at work. RIP @wafffler69 your spirit and energy was unmatched and you will be severely missed."

Clayton had one more request for fans mourning his brother's death and said: "Please keep his legacy alive, watch his content that he does have out. He loved making people happy."

He has also set up a GoFundMe to help his mother and their family pay for funeral and medical expenses.

Our thoughts go out to Taylor's family, friends, and followers at this difficult time.

Featured image credit: Siraj Ahmad / Alamy

A 21-year-old TikTok star has tragically died, just days after telling followers she had weeks, maybe even days, left to live.

Dominique McShain's death was confirmed by PEOPLE on Wednesday (April 23), a year after the New Zealand-based content creator revealed she had been diagnosed with incurable colorectal cancer.

The exact date of her passing has not been disclosed.

The TikToker first made headlines in May 2024, shortly after she was diagnosed.

Then, a third-year psychology student, she was forced to abandon university plans and instead used her growing social media presence to raise awareness about colon cancer in young people.

“I was, until two weeks ago, a third-year psychology student, and I wanted to do clinical psychology eventually. And that would take another five years to study for,” she explained in her first video, which has since racked up more than 5.5 million views.

“Basically, I stopped work and uni because I have such severe cancer, and the treatment is so intense," she added.

The warning signs McShain initially dismissed included dizzy spells and blood in her stool, symptoms she would later highlight to educate others.

Earlier this month, on April 6, McShain posted what she said would be her final update.

“I want to be direct with you all: this will be my final update on my cancer journey until I have passed away,” she wrote. “I've recently been given a prognosis about 5 days ago of only a few days to a few weeks to live.”

She explained that her liver was “failing rapidly to the point of jaundice,” which caused her cancer to spread and made it impossible to continue with the chemotherapy she had been undergoing for seven months.

“At this point, I've transitioned into end-of-life care, focusing on pain relief and managing side effects, with so much time spent both in the hospital and hospice facilities,” she shared.

Despite the devastating news, her words were full of gratitude and peace. “My life may be short, but I genuinely think I've squeezed every bit out of it,” she wrote.

“I won the lottery with a family that loves me unconditionally, friends who would 10000% donate a liver to me or do anything they could (and probably argue over who gets to do it), and the sweetest husband, Sean, who's been my rock through everything - before and after my diagnosis," she added.

McShain and Sean Suson got engaged in May 2024, on her 21st birthday, months after her diagnosis, and were married that July. She later described their wedding as “the most special day ever".

“Of course, there are so many key adult moments I won’t get to experience, things I won’t get to be or have, and that’s something I’ve had to come to terms with,” she continued. “The grief of what I’m missing out on is no longer overwhelming, though. Recently, I’ve found a sense of acceptance.”

She ended the post by imagining what peace might look like for her: “Recently, I’ve been picturing Heaven often - a place where I’ll finally be free from the pain that’s been with me for so long. I imagine myself without the constant suffering, no longer needing medication just to survive the day.

"I’ll be able to run, to breathe, to feel whole... Though it will hurt to leave you all behind, please know that I will finally be out of pain, and I will be at peace," she said, concluding: “Please never forget I will always love you all so much and I will be forever grateful for the role each of you have played in my life."

McShain's fundraiser, originally set up to help cover treatments and travel costs, will now go toward her hospice care.

McShain's impact extends beyond her audience. By documenting the unfiltered realities of her diagnosis and speaking openly about symptoms, she helped shed light on a rising health crisis.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have been increasing by 2.4% annually from 2012 to 2021.

In 2020 alone, over 1.9 million new colon cancer cases were recorded globally, with more than 930,000 deaths, per the National Library of Medicine.

Australia, New Zealand, and Europe currently have the highest incidence rates, and by the end of 2025, more than 107,000 new US cases are expected.

“I wanted to make a difference somehow and leave something behind and hopefully help people,” Dominique once said. And she did - more than she ever imagined.

Featured image credit: givealittle

A TikTok star announced her death in a heartwrenching video posted on the social media platform. 

Dr. Kimberley Nix, who goes by the handle @cancerpatientmd, was known for documenting her journey with cancer on Instagram and TikTok.

At the time of her diagnosis, Dr. Nix was 28 years old and in the third and final year of her internal medicine core residency.

Over the years, her account garnered over 148.1K followers, with many of her videos reaching over a million people.

The 31-year-old was diagnosed with metastatic sarcoma, which according to the Mayo Clinic is a broad group of cancers that begin in the bones and soft tissues - including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons. 

It becomes metastatic when the disease spreads too vastly from the original site and reaches stage 4.

Watch Dr Nix's final video below:

According to an online obituary, the TikToker died on May 8 in Calgary, Alberta. That same day, her final video was shared on the social media platform, informing her followers that she had passed away.

In the clip, she said, "Hello followers, if you're seeing this message I have passed away peacefully. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kim, hi! It's so nice to meet you and you're welcome to check out all the cool sarcoma facts, information, and my lived experience with death and dying with sarcoma cancer. You don't have to go just because you're new."

She continued: "I love you all, thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I'm in happy tears because you've all made me find so much purpose in the end of my life."

As Dr. Nix applied her makeup in the video, she reflected on what she accomplished throughout her life such as getting engaged, going to a Broadway show, and seeing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

She was also able to make several marks in her academic career. “I had a beautiful life,” she told her viewers. “And I’m so proud of it.”

The TikToker broke down in tears halfway through the heartbreaking video, thinking about how she is leaving her husband.

“The most beautiful love and my only sadness in dying is knowing that we didn’t get to grow old together,” she said. “Everything else is totally bearable because that is the only thing that really matters.”

The clip concluded as she urged her followers to donate to the Sarcoma Alliance, a charity dedicated to “improving the lives of people affected by sarcoma through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, guidance, education, and support,” according to its website.

“I will miss you, TikTok. I love you all, thank you for this amazing, amazing opportunity. I am in happy tears because you have all made me find so much purpose in the end of my life and I can’t thank you enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart always,” Dr Nix added.

Many people sent their condolences to the TikToker's family and friends in the comment section of the emotional video.

"Rest now Dr. Kim, thank you for all your videos we learned a lot. Strength to your hubby and all your loved ones," one user wrote.

Another said: "Rest in peace Kim, you have been a light on this world and for fighting [for] sarcoma awareness, thank you for being you, you are and were [an] amazing person."

A third added: "There comes a point where death is no longer the worst thing in life. I pray Kim’s passing was merciful and peaceful. What a precious soul."

Our thoughts are with all of Dr. Nix's loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty

Billy LeBlanc - a famed YouTuber who woke up in the hospital and found out his partner was dead - has shared a positive update on his life.

The 44-year-old creator, known for his Just Billy LeBlanc channel and his family’s Bratayley channel, took to Instagram in July 2024 to reveal the devastating news to his followers.

In his post, LeBlanc shared a series of photos of himself and Natalie, writing: “I’m sure none of you know but I recently almost died. I was in the hospital for 12 days. Unfortunately Natalie didn’t make it and she passed away.

"I will always remember how we got lost everywhere together. I will always love her and miss her. Be safe and hold your loved ones tight you, never know when it’ll be the last time you see them.”

Adding a further comment, he shared: “We both got vibrio vulnificus from raw oysters.”

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in warm seawater and brackish waters, posing significant health risks through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

According to the CDC, infections can lead to gastroenteritis with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, can cause skin lesions, high fever, and even death.

PEOPLE reports that around 20% of cases can be fatal.

LeBlanc shared a video with his followers revealing more about the illness and the tragic moment he found Natalie had died.

“So, yes. Natalie did pass away. It is not some kind of way to get somebody to follow me or anything like that,” he said, addressing critics who questioned the post.

He explained: “We ate oysters and we both felt sick for a couple of days. And then I woke up and she was gone.”

LeBlanc continued: “So, I spent 12 days in the hospital and eight days in ICU, actually. I don't remember much of it... I was pretty much out of it most of the time. And... I don't know what to say. I'm trying to figure my life out now.”

He ended the video by thanking fans for their kindness, and “love and support”.

Billy’s mother, Yvette Berthelot LeBlanc, also shared the family’s pain online, writing: “Natalie lost her life and Billy was very close to death in the ICU for 8 days. Please continue to pray for Natalie’s son Julian, for her family, and for Billy, both for his health and his heart.”

Natalie had been introduced to LeBlanc’s fanbase in 2020, regularly appearing in his videos and posts. She leaves behind her 17-year-old son, Julian Clark, an aspiring actor and content creator on YouTube.

One year on, and Billy appears to have refound some happiness and has taken to social media to give his followers a positive update.

"I just wanted to give a little update. I’ve lost a bunch of weight. I feel good, I feel healthy. Thanks for all your messages of encouragement," he wrote.

Billy later launched Just Billy LeBlanc, which now has over 208,000 subscribers, where he continued sharing family moments and his life with Natalie.

Featured image credit: Billy LeBlanc / Instagram

Hooters waitress turned TikTok star Ali Spice has been reported dead at age 21.

As reported by Metro, the online personality - whose real name is Ali Dulin - was involved in a fatal car crash in Florida on December 12.

The news of her death was confirmed by one of her close friends, Ariane Avandi, who took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking post about Spice.

Avandi paid tribute to the social media star with a gallery of pictures and videos uploaded in her memory. Alongside the collection, she wrote: "Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now."

"Ali you are one of the most vibrant, beautiful inside & out, genuine, loving souls I’ve had the privilege of knowing. You are an amazing friend and incredibly talented and passionate woman," the best friend wrote.

"I will never forget the impact you made on my life and everyone's for just being YOU!! You always uplift others and bring genuine joy into everyone’s life," Avandi continued.

"Even though I am completely devastated rn every single memory I have of us makes me smile and laugh. You are Love and Light. I love you forever and ever. Earth lost a real-life angel…rest in peace I love you so f***ing much," she emotionally concluded.

The employee reportedly amassed almost one million followers on the video-sharing app after her viral clips offered an insight into life working at the notorious restaurant.

Following the news of her death, fans rushed to leave their condolences and shared their heartbreak in the grieving friend's comment section.

One user wrote: "We didn’t directly cross paths when I visited but she clearly has a one-of-a-kind and creative soul. I hope everyone is holding up over there, sorry for your loss."

Another shared: "Life is so unfair. Sending you so many hugs. She’s with all the hello kitties."

Meanwhile, some of Spice's followers took to TikTok to share their tribute videos about her.

One person commented: "NOOO omg how heartbreaking she was literally such a sweetheart with wholesome content inspired me when I started working at hooters!!! Too young."

Another wrote: "oh my god whattt?!? I always watched her lives omg [life] is so short you literally just never know:("

Lastly, a third user said: "I literally loved her so much. omg I’m like I’m shocked. Rip to this beautiful baby angel."

According to The Sun, authorities have not yet revealed information about the accident or disclosed whether or not there have been any additional casualties.

However, some reports circling on social media indicate that the fatal crash was caused by a drunken driver. Although, nothing has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Spice's TikTok account has been removed for an unknown reason following her passing.

Our thoughts go out to Spice's family and friends at this time.

Featured image credit: AugustSnow / Alamy