YouTube gaming star Etika was pulled lifeless from New York City’s East River days following his disappearance after he posted video that had fans and loved ones concerned for his safety.
New York City police on Tuesday announced the death of the 29-year-old Etika, born Desmond Amofah, after having put out a missing persons alert seeking the public’s help in finding him:
Etika, who was famed for his video-gaming vlogs, had more than a half-million followers or subscribers across his social media platforms, per CBS News.
His body was found Monday evening in the river off the South Street Seaport, according to police, who said his belongings were found on the shore nearby, according to the New York Post. No other details regarding his death were released.
Etika went missing Wednesday after posting a since-deleted video in which he warned about the dangers of social media and appeared to be suggesting suicide, according to a second Post report:
Fans began worrying about Amofah’s well-being after he posted the 8-minute video in which he repeatedly apologized and claimed he was suicidal.
“I really had no intention of killing myself but I’d always push it too far,” he said in the since-deleted clip. “I guess I am mentally ill.”
However, Etika since April had been posting videos that were increasingly concerning, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Fans and friends across social media mourned Etika’s death:
Keem, creator of YouTube’s DramaAlert, tweeted that he had spoken with Etika’s mother, who urged those who cared to support mental health organizations:
If you are thinking about harming yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Suicide Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433; help is available 24 hours a day.