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.