Liam Fitzgerald's family says he 'battled with alcohol' in heartbreaking tribute as creator dies from severe injuries
Liam Fitzgerald’s devastated family have spoken out for the first time since his tragic death, opening up about the influencer’s ‘battle with alcohol on and off’ during his life.
The fitness content creator sadly passed away on 30 October after being involved in a motorcycle accident. He was just 29.
Confirming his death, his heart-broken girlfriend Jamie Lyn Rinaldi said he’d died at around 2am after he sustained ‘severe injuries’ in the crash.
“Despite the efforts of those who tried desperately to save him, they were unable to bring him back,” she wrote on Instagram.
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Liam’s heartbroken family have now broken their silence in a touching tribute to the ‘one-of-a-kind’ influencer who had ‘so much more life to live’.
“There are no words to describe the loss of someone as special as Liam,” the statement shared on Liam’s Instagram read.
“Liam was a shining light. He had a way of lighting up every room he walked into, a personality impossible to forget, and a heart that loved deeply. From family and friends to teammates, strangers, and people around the world, he inspired so many. He loved his people fiercely and would protect them with everything he had.”
His family went on to praise his ‘incredible’ work ethic and how he would set his mind to something and then ‘gave it everything’.
Liam, who lived in Miami, had more than a million social media followers and shared fitness and lifestyle content as well as offering one-on-one fitness coaching.
“He was talented at just about anything he tried and so proud of the life he was building and everything he accomplished,” his family said.
“He loved filming, creating, and editing videos to share his experiences and inspire others. He wanted us to believe that no matter how hard life gets, you can always get back up and become a better version of yourself.”
The family then shared that Liam had his ‘own struggles’, which he tackled during his life.
“He battled with alcohol on and off and knew it was hurting him,” they said.
“This is shared in the hope that his story reaches someone who needs it. If you're fighting that battle, please stay strong, reach out to your loved ones, and ask for help. You don't have to fight alone. Keep going.
“He wasn't perfect, and never pretended to be. But he always strived to grow and do better. He had dreams, ambitions, and so much more life to live.”
The family said his death had left behind a heartbreak that ‘words will never be able to describe’ but that his ‘laughter, energy, accomplishments, and the memories he created will live on’.
The statement concluded by urging people to keep Liam’s loved ones in their thoughts and to ‘hug your people’, tell them you love them and ‘never assume you have more time’.
“Liam, you were one of a kind. You shined so bright, and the world is dimmer without you here,” it added.
“Fly high. You will never be forgotten.”
Claire Reid