Social Media Influencers Who Died in 2026

Social media has made it possible for everyday people to become celebrities, sometimes attracting millions of followers by sharing their lives online. Unfortunately, 2026 has been a notable year for the deaths of several beloved influencers, leaving online communities devastated. Some were known for their humor and entertaining videos, while others used their platforms to raise awareness of illnesses or show how they cope with their personal struggles. The widespread reactions to their deaths have also reminded us just how strong the connection between content creators and their followers can be. Here are eight social media influencers who died in 2026.

Sydney Towle became a TikTok star by documenting her rare form of bile duct cancer. After being diagnosed at just 23 years old, she shared her experience with her followers. She posted everything from chemotherapy treatments and surgery aftermath to the everyday experiences of living with a serious illness. Her honesty and positive attitude helped her attract more than 1.1 million followers, and many of them followed her journey for years. Sadly, Towle died on August 5, 2026, at the age of 26, after experiencing complications from metastatic cancer. Her brother Austin announced her death online, thanking followers for supporting her for so long.

Kenny Jary, better known to millions of followers as Patriotic Kenny, became an internet sensation, proving that social media fame isn't just for the young. The Navy veteran was followed for his upbeat personality, patriotic nature, and loved for his electric scooter. He became one of the internet’s most recognizable senior influencers. In March 2026, Jary shared that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Sadly, he died just two months later at the age of 84. His popularity is a reminder that a little humor, kindness, and positivity goes an exceptionally long way. 

Brooke Eby became a voice in the ALS community after being diagnosed at the age of 33. Instead of keeping her experience private, she decided to post videos about living with the progressive neurological disease. She used humor to discuss even the most difficult aspects of her illness. She was extremely genuine and helped educate audiences about a condition many knew little about. Eby was admired for many things, most notably her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor, even as her health declined. She died in October 2026 at the age of 37 from complications of ALS.

Roger Elliot Moore, known online as Metronade, made a name for himself with his comedic sketches and entertaining videos filmed around New York City. A 2024 graduate of Syracuse University, Moore was no amateur; he studied film and used his knowledge and talents to make truly entertaining and hilarious content. Tragically, Moore died on May 11, 2026, at just 23 years old. Though the details have not been publicly explained, the medical examiner determined that his death was from blunt force trauma and ruled it an accident. This one was a huge shock to his millions of followers.

Australian model and social media personality Sahara Ray gained attention through her modeling career, and later by starting a swimwear company, Sahara Ray Swim. She also made headlines back in 2016 after being photographed vacationing with Justin Bieber in Hawaii. In 2024, Ray was involved in a serious car accident and developed Guillain-Barré syndrome. The neurological condition meant she was partially paralyzed. Despite these challenges, she had a daughter named Snow in January 2026. Sadly, Ray died less than a year later on October 18, 2026, at the age of 34. Her official cause of death has not been disclosed.

Indonesian influencer Lula Lahfah attracted millions of followers by posting lifestyle, beauty, and entertainment content. She initially gained recognition by posting music covers on SoundCloud, before moving on to other platforms, where she frequently shared skincare videos and outfit inspiration. On January 23, 2026, Lahfah was found dead inside her apartment in South Jakarta at the age of 26. Indonesian police closed their investigation just one week later on January 30, 2026, after finding no evidence of criminal activity.

Bret Hanna-Shuford was already a successful Broadway performer before becoming an influencer. He and his husband, Stephen Hanna, created the Broadway Husbands brand which they used to share goofy videos, dance routines, and life at home with their young son, Maverick. His impressive theatrical career included roles in Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Tragically, Hanna-Shuford was diagnosed with an aggressive form of T-cell lymphoma and a rare immune disorder in 2025. After months of hospitalization and treatment, he died on January 3, 2026. He was 46 years old.

Ayzia J. Toledo was an up-and-coming influencer from the Philadelphia area. Known professionally as Ayzia J, she was building a following as a content creator when her life was tragically cut short in July 2026. Toledo was driving on Route 55 in Deptford Township, New Jersey, when her BMW overturned and hit a tree. Both Toledo and another passenger, Henrietta Carter, died in the accident, while the third passenger survived with just minor injuries.