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Manuel Otto, 'Stick Run' creator, dies at 30 after livestream incident
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Stick Run creator and influencer Manuel Otto has died by apparent suicide during a livestream.
The German game developer was just 30 years old.
Manuel Otto dies aged 30
The creator was a prolific streamer on Twitch, as well as having designed the popular mobile game Stick Run when he was just 14 years old.
It has been reported that Otto was broadcasting live to followers, as he often did, when a tragic incident occurred.
His body was later discovered after a fire at his home in southeast Germany, after a neighbor spotted the blaze and attempted to fight it.
Grim reports have suggested that the fire was started deliberately by Otto, and representatives for his game said that Mr Otto was dead, and that it appeared he had died by suicide.
A statement announcing his death initially said: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer, and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto.”
Then, a follow-up statement read: "Stick Run is aware of a livestream on Twitch involving its creator and owner, Manuel Otto, in which he appeared to have taken his own life.
"We understand that Twitch has since removed the livestream and associated video.”
The statement added: "We encourage the community to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation,
"If you have any information that may help clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, please reach out to us or contact your local law enforcement agency.”
Twitch has removed Manuel Otto's livestream and channel
After questions, Twitch also responded to confirm that it had ‘moved quickly’ to remove the livestream as well as Otto’s channel to ‘prevent it being viewed by others’.
No further details have been given about what the content of the stream was.
The Twitch spokesperson added: "What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us,
"We encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek support, and we offer tools on Twitch to help people connect with local mental health resources in their area.”
Stick Run paid a touching tribute to Manuel Otto
The spokesperson for Stick Run went on to say that for many players, Stick Run was ‘more than just a game’.
"For so many of us, it was a part of our childhood. A game we grew up playing with friends, sharing laughs, competing for high scores, and making memories that will stay with us for a lifetime,” the statement read.
"It brought people together and became a cherished part of our childhood,
"Today, we mourn not only the loss of our creator, but also a fellow Stick Runner whose work became a part of our lives,
"His legacy will live on through every memory, every run, and every player who grew up playing Stick Run.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.