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Lil Tay, the controversial internet personality who rose to fame in 2018 with her profanity-laced videos, is reported to have died along with her brother Jason Tian. The 14-year-old influencer's passing was apparently confirmed on Wednesday, August 9 by her family on social media.
While announcing the young influencer’s death, the family said that her brother had also passed away. In an Instagram post, the family, who called Tay by her real name, Claire Hope, said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected and has left us all in shock. Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief.”
While Tay's family did not immediately reveal the brother's name, past reports show that the influencer's sibling was Jason Tian, a 22-year-old aspiring rapper.
Jason Tian was in the spotlight in 2021 after a report accused him of creating his sister Tay’s online personality. The same year, Jason also created a GoFundMe on behalf of his sister, who had disappeared from public life in 2018.
On the GofundMe page, Jason accused Lil Tay’s father of abuse and claimed that all the funds raised would go towards paying his sister’s legal fees to give her a fighting chance in court to save her from the man who physically and mentally abused her.
Netizens react as Lil Tay and her brother Jason Tian reportedly pass away
In the wake of Lil Tay’s family announcing the sibling's death, social media appeared aghast over the news and expressed their disbelief over the sudden passing. While the family did not disclose the cause of death, they asked for privacy as they dealt with the loss.
“During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation.”
Shortly after the statement was made, netizens mourned the loss of the viral internet sensation who began posting videos on social media in 2017 and gained millions of followers in a year. One social media user said:
“This is actually heartbreaking man.”
Another questioned the veracity of the statement:
“How do we confirm this? Could be a publicity stunt because I remember her brother was accused of coaching/creating her online personality”
Meanwhile another lamented the tragedy of the situation and said:
“So young, so much potential. Wish she had made better moves. May she and her brother rest in peace?”
Several others were also left stunned by the apparent death of the young Influencer Lil Tay and her brother.
Who is Lil Tay?
Lil Tay gained popularity through videos spoofing rap culture and flashing wads of cash in mansions and nice cars when she was nine years old. While viewers expressed concern over the young influencer's crude behavior online, her mother appeared nonchalant about the issue.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Tay's mother said that she supported her daughter in all her endeavors. Meanwhile, Tay's father disagreed with his daughter's actions online.
