Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A hugely popular TikTok star has died by suicide at the age of just 31, his devastated family has confirmed.
Tucker Genal was best known for participating in entertaining social media challenges with his brothers, Carson and Connor Genal, amassing a following of more than 2.5 million on platforms like TikTok.
The social media star's death was confirmed by his brother Carson, who shared an emotional tribute, in which he described Tucker as his 'hero'.
"I don’t even know where to begin, You were my best friend and an even better big brother, my entire life, I’ve spent looking up to you and trying to follow in your footsteps because you were always my hero," he wrote on Instagram.
"I know one thing is for certain, and that is that I will continue to spend the rest of my life looking up to you until we meet again. You were the kindest person I’ve ever met and the greatest brother that anyone could have ever asked for."
Carson went on to say his family 'respectfully ask for privacy as we mourn and begin to navigate life without him.'
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner has since confirmed that Tucker died by suicide on Thursday, 11 December, according to The New York Post.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star, including a heartfelt message from Tucker's friend Sean Schutt, who regularly appeared in TikTok videos with him.
"Tucker… idk where to start… you were my best friend in the whole world. 5 years ago, I was in the deepest darkest place in my life and didn’t think there was a way out. I saw these guys, Tucker and Carson Genal, making a content house in Los Angeles. They invited me to be apart and the rest is history," he wrote, referencing the 'Hustle House' the Genal brothers owned.
Schlutt continued: "As soon as I moved to LA and lived with them, they gave me a whole new perspective on life. Tucker, you gave me my motivation you brought a light in me that I never even knew I had."
He added: "You are the kindest most selfless person I knew. You always put others before yourself and you always knew how to care when no one else did. I don’t know where I would have been without you man. YOU gave me Life."
Meanwhile, fans expressed their condolences to Tucker's family, with one person writing on Carson's post: "This is heartbreaking. We’re praying for you guys.
Another said: "Sending an immense amount of love and prayers to you and your family, I am so so sorry for your loss."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.
Featured Image Credit: Tucker Genal / InstagramTopics: TikTok, Social Media, Viral
Emma Rosemurgey