NEW YORK TIMES
Minnesota TikTok comedian Joe Muchlinski — who went by @VonViddy on the platform — has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 32.
His sister, Martha Muchlinski, revealed his passing in a video posted to her TikTok page on Monday.
âI do want to confirm for his fans that he did lose his long battle with mental illness, and he did take his own life,â she announced in the somber clip. “Joe fought a long and really terrible battle with his mental illness and all we can hope now is that he is at peace.”
The bereaved sibling added that she wanted to provide “closure” for anyone who was a “VonViddy fan” and to just let know people what happened.
The Post has reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department for comment.
Just hours before news of his death broke, Von uploaded a final clip to his TikTok, where he’d frequently uploaded comedy and music bits for his 170,000 fans.
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
In the heartbreaking footage, the Minneapolis native described how he wanted to be remembered as a “creator of videos that made people laugh, and a creator of music.”
“I also want to be remembered as a camp counselor who helped kids to make happy memories,” added the social media star.
“I would rather not be remembered as an addict and an alcoholic who put his family through hell.”
It’s all love
Joe added that he was “thankful to have such a following” and that his fans meant “the world to him.”
“All in all, I’ve had a terrific life,” the influencer declared. “Iâve got to visit the other side of the world, and Iâve made tons of friends from all walks of life.â
He concluded the video by saying, âI have nothing to complain about, and I have nothing but peace and love for all of you.â
Fans were shocked by Muchlinski’s passing.
“Your words are so haunting. I can’t believe you’re gone,” wrote one devastated viewer. “Rest in peace, VonViddy. Much love to his family, I am so sorry for your loss.”
Another wrote, “Von Viddy we love you. Thank you for all of the laughs. Truly heartbreaking.”
“Aw, Joe. You are remembered. You fought so hard,” said a third. “I know you canât read this final message, but you did good, man. You did good.”
Another heartbroken commenter added, “TikTok meant a lot to him, it gave him joy, it gave him something to laugh at.”
