World2 min(s) read
Published 16:07 06 Aug 2026 GMT
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.
