Steve Bridges, known for his comedy sketches on TikTok, has died suddenly in his sleep, aged 41.
His wife of 16 years, Chelsey, confirmed that the dad of three died while asleep on his sofa on Wednesday in a devastating video.
Bridges amassed 2,100,000 followers on TikTok with his skits with his caption usually featuring a scenario and what it would ‘be like’.
Chelsey shocked fans with an over three-minute video in tribute to her husband, with the caption: ‘He’s really gone’.
She said: ‘I’m really sorry to get on and tell you this, this way. I think if I wait any longer, I’m not going to be able to do it.
‘Who you saw online was just the characters that he created. He was so talented because he was the opposite of all of them.
‘He was the most attentive father, and the best, the best husband. And the greatest, sweetest man. And thanks to you internet, he’s been able to live his dream of making people laugh. I am so thankful that he got to do that.
Chelsey added that the family had been trying to be healthier after three deaths at an early age in the Bridges family, including his dad.
‘I’m not going to tell my children that they can’t grieve online.’ she added. ‘I will probably grieve online too. This is life now.
‘Please never take it for granted and try to live your dreams every day. Love your family and take care of yourself.’
Chelsey’s post was filled with fans offering their condolences in the comments, with many calling him a ‘genius’ and their ‘favourite creator’.
Alongside fan tributes, his friend and filmmaker Eric Mathis shared: ‘This is one of the worst announcements I could ever have to make… our brother from another mother Steve Bridges has passed away.
‘Steve was an incredible talent beloved by millions of fans across the world, he was part of our tight knit film family, he was a husband and a father to 3 young kids. At 41, he is gone way too soon.
‘Everyone who had the pleasure, the absolute pleasure of meeting Steve, they all loved him. He was so kind, so genuine, so passionate about his art, and infectious in his many amazing traits.
‘We are all in shock, we grieve with his family, and we are all heavy with the weight of his loss. Steve made us all laugh, he became part of my core film team, and the world really lost an amazing man with his passing.
‘Please keep Steve, his family, and his many MANY friends in your thoughts. Rest easy brother.. You are forever our “Mikey!”‘
A GoFundMe was set up to raise funds to help support the family, reaching over $27,000 (£20,107) within four hours.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.