TikTok star Sydney Towle dies aged 26 after three-year battle with rare cancer

Influencer Sydney Towle, who was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer aged just 23 but inspired millions by documenting her heart-wrenching journey, has died.

Her family announced the news on Thursday, August 6, with Sydney dying the previous day after a three-year battle with cancer.

Her brother, Austin Towle, posted a photograph to TikTok of Sydney on a mountain top with the sun shining behind her and a smile beaming on her face.

He wrote over the photograph: "Rest in Peace Sydney Elizabeth Towle. November 15th 1999-August 5th 2026.

"An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, sister, and friend to so many."

In the caption he added: "I will always love you so much."

The same photo was also posted to Sydney's account but included a video of Austin and the siblings' mother adding a few words.

Austin said: "Hi everybody, we just wanted to let you know that Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three year long battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

"She fought really hard and we're so proud of her and we thank you for your support over the years."

Their mum added: "We love you an thank you for all your kind messages of support and love. We really appreciate it.

"She will not be forgotten."

Sydney Towle was moved to hospice earlier this week

TikTok star Sydney had been bravely battling a rare form of cancer for three years and had previously defied doctor advice to move to hospice.

But her family confirmed she had entered into end-of-life care on Tuesday, August 4.

Austin had been keeping Sydney’s adoring fans updated on her condition in recent weeks as she had been unable to post any content to her own 1.1 million followers since July.

Writing over a photograph of Sydney's family gathered at her bedside holding an array of stuffed animals, Austin said: Sydney has been moved to hospice and is surrounded by her friends and family."

He then took the time to express gratitude to the thousands of well-wishes she received, with his post alone amassing 20.4k comments and 417.6k likes.

"Thank you all for your love and support," he added, with a love heart emoji.

In the TikTok post's caption, Austin wrote: "Thank you all so much.

"Your love and support does not go unnoticed."

Who is Sydney Towle?

Sydney, who was based in New York, was an influencer who started her wildly successful TikTok account after learning her shocking diagnosis.

Towle was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma - a rare form of bile duct cancer - which is typically found in older adults.

Given Sydney was just 23 when she learned she had contracted the disease, it made her cancer an extremely rare occurrence.

However, she took the terrible news and turned it into something positive, candidly sharing her experiences on TikTok.

From ruminations on life and death and honest insights into her gruelling chemotherapy to everyday looks at her life, Sydney's inspiring videos earned her a gigantic and loyal following.

Her cancer eventually spread to her stomach and lungs and a doctor had advised her to enter hospice, but instead she sought a second opinion and specialists to help her deal with her worsening condition.

Through her determination, she made an appearance at Miami Swim Week in late May, modelling a specially designed swimsuit that was tailored for her surgical scars and a body that had been fighting cancer for years.

Speaking on the major milestone she labelled as one of the proudest moments of her life, Sydney said in a TikTok video: “People always ask why I’m so positive?

"Why would I not envision the best-case scenario?

“Miracles happen every day. Nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen.”

Sydney's last TikTok post was made on July 29 when she shared at her delight over one of her favourite bands, Royal Otis, dedicating a song to her during a gig.

What is cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that is found anywhere in the bile ducts, and is commonly known as just bile duct cancer.

The bile ducts are a part of the digestive system, small tubes which connect the major organs in the area, like the liver and gall bladder, together.

The NHS says anyone can get bile duct cancer and it's not clear what causes it, but you are more likely to contract it over the age of 65.

Symptoms of the cancer include: jaundice, itchy skin, darker urine and paler poo than typical, loss of appertite and unexpected weight-loss, fatigue, unusual body temperatures, being sick, pain in the stomach and generally feeling unwell.