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TikTok star Sydney Towle has passed away at the age of 26 following a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Reports of her death circulated online on Wednesday, before it was officially confirmed on Thursday via her social media pages.
“We will always love you so much Sydney,” the caption reads.
“I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you.”
The post in question was of her posing on a mountain peak with the tribute: “Rest in Peace Sydney Elizabeth Towle. An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, a sister and friend to so many.”
It was announced on Tuesday that Sydney had been taken into end-of-life hospice care, with her brother Austin Towle, posting an image showing her surrounded by family and friends while in a hospital bed, it was accompanied with the caption: “Sydney has been moved to hospice and is surrounded by her friends and family. Thank you all for your love and support.”
Her older brother, Austin, later posted to pay tribute to his sister, calling her the “best sister ever.”
After being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare cancer that affects the bile duct, at the age of 23, she continued to document her life with the disease, sharing her experience with her 1 million TikTok followers.
Despite partaking in several surgeries, numerous clinical trials, as well as extensive chemotherapy, she ultimately succumbed to her illness after it became increasingly aggressive.
Back in May, Towle learned the devastating news that her cancer had metastasized, spreading to her peritoneum - the lining of the abdomen and pelvis.
After hearing the horrendous update from doctors, she then found out that she would no longer be able to receive treatment, before being urged to begin end-of-life care.
Towle’s resilience meant that she refused suggestions and made the switch to a cancer specialist, and was in the middle of a clinical trial which involved tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
During an interview with PEOPLE last year, Towle delved into her primary diagnosis, and the first symptom she noticed, which was a large abdominal bump protruding.
Towle said it is 'extremely rare' that someone of her age would be diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.
“I don’t fit any of the demographic factors,” she added.
It has been reported by Mayo Clinic, that the disease derives in the slender tubes that carry the digestive bile, with symptoms including, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and night sweats.
It mostly affects people over the age of 50.
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Bailey Hutchins posted a final message to her followers before she tragically passed away at just 26 years old.
The beloved TikTok star, who goes by the handle @healingwithbailey, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with peritoneal metastasis in 2023 at the age of 24.
Determined to use her experience to help others, she created her social media platforms to raise awareness about early cancer detection.
Her husband, Caden, confirmed the heartbreaking news on February 8, revealing that his wife had passed away the night before.
"I’m devastated to say that my Bailey B has passed away last night," he wrote on Instagram. "She fought such a tough, incredible fight these past two years, and she’s no longer suffering from all the torturous pain she has endured during this journey."
Caden continued: "Being your husband and caregiver has been such a blessing to me. I am still in such disbelief and in denial that I just lost my best friend. You were and always will be such a light in any room you fill Bailey, and such an inspiration to others."
"Your faith could move mountains Baby, unfortunately God had bigger plans for you Up Above. Until we meet again," he concluded.
Hutchins took to the social media platform on January 19, which was three weeks before her death, to share a deeply emotional message with her followers.
"Don't mind my hair, I look crazy right now. I tried to go on Instagram, and there ain't no way I would've been posting on Instagram. I tried, not fun, so we're back [on TikTok] with the crazy hair," she quipped in the beginning.
The TikToker hesitated to share health updates, explaining: "I had a feeling this would happen, that's why I did not fret too much. But I did feel bad because TikTok disappeared, and I did not update you guys for my last post which... fearful. However, I am gonna not update you guys, still, other than the fact that I am alive."
She then turned the camera to her husband, asking him to “Give me a little shake.” She then added: "There's Caden. It's just been me and him, living in bliss at this hospital. But yeah, I'm not gonna share any updates on what's been going on with me. I just can't. I just cannot. That's it, that's all you gotta pray. Thank you, much love.
"I'm here, and I'm alive. And if y'all wanna pray for me, pray Psalms 118 over me - 'I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord,'” she said in the end.
Hutchins’ story resonated with thousands, not only for her unwavering courage but also for the hope and faith she instilled in others throughout her journey.
In the wake of her passing, many of her followers have flooded Instagram with heartfelt tributes, honoring the impact she had on their lives.
"She was my angel during my cancer journey, my sounding board, my guiding light. Someone who understood when no one else did. A friend and sister and a soul that I’m blessed to have met in this lifetime. The most special person. Beautiful inside and out," one user wrote.
"Bailey is and always will be an inspiration to everyone who knew and watched her," another said, while a third added: "Bailey was the most incredible human being, inside and out, and touched so many."
Our thoughts are with Hutchins' loved ones at this time.
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.
Bailey Hutchins, a TikTok creator and registered nurse, has passed away at the age of 26 following a two-year fight against colon cancer.
Her husband, Caden Hutchins, shared the news on Instagram, honoring her resilience throughout the difficult journey.
"I'm devastated to say that my Bailey B has passed away last night," he wrote. "She fought such a tough incredible fight these past two years and she's no longer suffering from all the torturous pain she has endured during this journey."
Bailey was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and used her TikTok platform, where she had over 170,000 followers, to document her experience and raise awareness about early symptoms.
Through her videos, she connected with thousands of people who found inspiration in her strength and openness about her diagnosis.
Her sister, Ashley Rolfes, also paid tribute to her, writing, "As of 2/7 at 10:30PM, after a two-year battle of a lifetime, our girl is no longer in pain. Our hearts are shattered."
Bailey's story resonated with many, and a GoFundMe page set up to assist with her medical expenses raised over $130,000.
The outpouring of love and support reflected how much she meant to those who followed her journey.
Her final TikTok post, set to Wiz Khalifa’s 'See You Again,' featured touching moments from her life, alongside the caption: "Last night our Bailey B entered the gates of Heaven after the most courageous battle with cancer. Although we selfishly wanted her here forever, we find peace in knowing she’s no longer suffering."
Bailey’s openness about her condition helped bring attention to colon cancer in young adults, encouraging others to seek medical advice if they notice symptoms. Her impact on social media and in the medical field will continue to inspire people for years to come.
Fans are mourning the death of Haley Odlozil after it was announced she passed away aged 30.
On Friday, Hayley's husband Taylor took to his personal Instagram to share the unfortunate news that his wife had died.
Haley suffered from Stage IIIC ovarian cancer, which she was diagnosed with almost a decade ago, and documented her journey of strength and resilience via her Instagram @fromfightingtothriving, where she has over 284,000 followers that have been stood by her.
"It is with unbelievable sadness that I tell all of you my sweet Haley has passed away," the heartbroken husband wrote alongside a beautiful family photo. "I cannot begin to describe the amount of [heartache] & grief myself & our entire family is experiencing."
He continued: "I never knew my heart could physically hurt. I've never seen someone fight so hard to live. Her love for me, Weston [their son], her family, & her friends is what has kept her going for so many years, especially the last 8 months. I'm so blessed to have had Haley a part of my life for 16 years. It has been my true honor to take care of her. I am so grateful for the lessons I have learned from Haley."
The 30-year-old influencer used her platform to raise awareness about the terrible disease and how it altered her life.
After adjusting to the diagnosis, the mom-of-one started sharing her journey in the hope that others suffering from similar experiences would be able to find comfort in her positivity.
Taylor went on to say that as Hayley's other half, he's "seen every moment", including the "happy ones & the sad ones."
"One thing I can tell you, she suffered greatly fighting this disease that slowly tore her body apart for the last 8 years. The thought of her being completely healed in a body with no pain & no scars in heaven makes me so incredibly happy for her but so overwhelmingly sad I'm not there to see it," he said in the caption of the post. "My fear of death is so much less knowing I will get to see her one day completely healed. I cannot wait for that day. Im so thankful I got to see Haley fulfill her life purpose of becoming a mom."
Taylor also went on to add that despite being completely broken by this news, he's more concerned for the welfare of the couple's son.
"My heart breaks most for Weston. I don't think he will ever fully understand what he meant to Haley. He was everything to her," he wrote before thanking everyone for their support.
Taylor also revealed that even though Hayley had a "large following", the family would be keeping funeral arrangements "private" and that they would be taking time away from social media in order to grieve the loss of their loved one.
Speaking to PEOPLE before her tragic passing, Haley opened up about the importance of her work, especially when it comes to other women suffering from ovarian cancer.
"The symptoms are very vague — cramping, back pain, all things that women experience on a daily basis for many different reasons. So to have the platform to share and raise awareness of it, that's very important to me," she told the outlet. "I want people to see that this is a real disease, and this happens to young women. Had I been listened to more, maybe it wouldn't have escalated to what it was by the time I got diagnosed."
She also added that her husband was a shining light during dark times, saying: "Taylor has always said to me, 'I'm not gonna let your pain and your suffering be for nothing.' And so he's created this platform for us that we've been able to share awareness and make a difference."
Hayley's legacy shall continue to live on.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this time.
A TikTok influencer has taken her own life at the age of just 19 years old.
According to The Daily Mirror, Caitlyn Loane had managed to accrue more than 97,000 followers on the social media platform with her vlog posts all about working on a farm in rural Tasmania.
Loane often shared footage of herself sowing crops and managing livestock, and had recently opened a farmer's festival in Tasmania in June, where she was involved in judging cattle.
The Mirror reports that her parents have since confirmed that the young woman committed suicide by currently unknown means on Saturday, July 17.
Per the above publication, Loane's father Philip said in an official statement: "Words can't describe our loss. She was a lovely, crazy young woman who was an invaluable member of our family."
Meanwhile, her mother stated that her smile "lit up the room" and that she "wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty."
Caitlyn's last video, posted days before her death, has now been flooded with attention from other TikTok users offering condolences.
Indeed, the clip above currently boasts over 1 million views, 119,000 reactions, and a further 8,000 comments as of the time of writing.
For example, one sympathetic commenter wrote: "We all would [have] driven to the end of the earth to help you through... rest in paradise beautiful soul."
Another stated: "What a horrible loss. May heaven be filled with plenty of farm animals to keep you happy, Caitlyn. If anyone is in despair please ask for help. So sad."
Then this user chimed in: "This is so sad bless you Caitlyn you always made me smile now [...] Rest in Peace. [sic]"
This commenter added: "Rip beautiful may you fly high and free, my condolences to friends and family at this time."
Finally, someone else penned: "To anyone who feels like they aren't enough of that they are alone... reach out. You matter and are loved. RIP beautiful girl."
If you or anyone else you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, or with mental health issues in general, then please do not hesitate to contact the Samaritans to use their free, confidential, and 24-hour listening service, on 117 123.