TikToker VonViddy, whose real name is Joe Muchlinski, has died, according to his family and officials.
Vonviddy Age
By the time of his death he was 32 years old.
Vonviddy on Tiktok
The Minnesota-based TikToker had more than 172,000 followers and 8.8 million likes on the platform and had cultivated a devoted fan base.
According to his sister, “TikTok meant a lot to him. It gave him joy. It gave him something to laugh at and to make other people laugh at and he really appreciated that.”
In his final video, posted Sunday, Joe talks about the type of guy he wants to be remembered as, citing his music and comedy as a couple of strong points in his life. He also highlights some of his struggles — saying he doesn’t want folks to remember him “as an addict and an alcoholic who put his family through hell.”
@vonviddy It’s all love
He ends his final TikTok by saying how thankful he is for the opportunities he’s had over the years … noting he has an abundance of peace and love for his fans.
Vonviddy Mental Illness
Vonviddy has been struggling with mental illness for a very long time. Based on a statements made by his sister, “I do want to confirm for his fans that he did lose his long battle with mental illness, and he did take his own life,” his sister Martha said in a TikTok video posted on Tuesday. “Joe fought a really, really long, terrible battle with his mental illness and all we can hope now is that he’s at peace.”
@martha_merced Joe was my first word. He was my older brother, my only sibling, and this is one of the worst days of my life. I know folks have been concerned since his (Vonviddy’s) last video and deserve some closure.@VonViddy #vonviddy #closure #mentalhealthmatters #mentalillness
Vonviddy Death
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Muchlinski died on Monday via suicide. The news of his death was confirmed by his sister on Tiktok.
After his death, fans paid tribute to Vonviddy mourning his death.
“Rest in genuine peace, Joe. You fought a long, hard battle and you’ve earned your rest. Those of us here will remember you and miss you,” wrote one follower.
“Aw, Joe. You are remembered,” shared another fan. “I know you can’t read this final message, but you did good, man. You did good.”
His sister went on to thank the fans for their kinds words.
“Joe was my first word. He was my older brother, my only sibling, and this is one of the worst days of my life,” Martha captioned the post. “I wish Joe could see how much he was loved,” Martha wrote in a post on Wednesday alongside several family photos. “It’s been hard to breathe. I would do anything to have my big brother back. I’ll love you forever, Joe. I promise.”
