Chrystofer A. Whyte, a popular TikTok influencer, has tragically died at the age of 18.
The 18-year-old influencer, who amassed more than 100,000 followers on the social media platform, was fatally shot at a New Jersey beach on Thursday, June 12.
Officers from the Long Branch Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at Pier Village in Long Branch around 8:58PM and found Whyte with a single gunshot wound.
The TikToker, who was from North Brunswick, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a press release issued by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities have since arrested and charged two men in connection with the shooting.
One of the men, whose has not been named, is currently being held at a juvenile detention center and has been charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, and Hindering.
The alleged accomplice, identified as Dwayne Exilus, 18, was charged with second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (handgun), second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, third-degree Hindering, and one count of fourth-degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
Before Whyte's tragic death, he took to the social media app to share two videos under the handle @hi.imchrys.
In one clip, which showed him sitting on a chair, he captioned it: “Stay away from ppl that ignore you until they need you." In another, he shared a video from the beach where he was murdered, tagging #longbranch in the caption. This was his final video upload.
Many people have taken to the comment section to share their condolences. "I used to go to school with him, this world is so crazy. Rest in peace to this beautiful soul, he was doing so good in life," one person wrote.
Another said: "I can’t believe this. Rest easy Chrys you will be so missed. My heart goes out to you and your family. You were always so happy and fun to stream with. This is so sad."
A third shared: "In utter shock. Rest in peace Chrys, what a great guy. Your family will be in my prayers," while a fourth added: "I can’t believe it bro. You were one of the realest and most authentic streamers on this app, always full of energy. RIP my guy."
The TikTok star was a student athlete who played football and wrestled for Woodbridge High School.
His former football coach, Joseph LaSala, paid his respects in a tribute, which read: “Chrys was an unbelievable kid. He brought energy and enthusiasm every day. He was respectful, focused, and a joy to coach. This is heartbreaking," per TAPinto Middletown.
Whyte's best friend, Jaiden Roche, has set up a GoFundMe to help his family during this horrific tragedy. As of the time of writing, $16,228 has been raised.
"I'm creating this to help out his family so we can all see our beloved soul Chrys have a beautiful funeral," Roche wrote. "Chrys was a brother to me, and we all dearly miss him. It’s my duty to make sure he goes out with a bang and a beautiful last goodbye."
Our thoughts are with Whyte's loved ones at this time.