TikTok is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars.
Malik Taylor, also known for his Unpopular Party YouTube channel, has died at the age of 28.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share our beloved Brother, Malik Taylor, has gone to ‘Audit Eternal,'” a statement shared on Instagram Aug. 20 by his business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi read. “To know him was to know he was a light to everyone—always bringing laughter, joy, and a warm smile that brightened every room he entered.”
“Brother Taylor embodied the values of brotherhood, unity, and compassion. His ability to uplift others, share kindness, and spread joy will forever remain in our memories,” the message continued. “Though your time with us was far too short, you were a good and faithful Brother, and the ‘Great Auditor’ will reward you for your everlasting work. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Malik Taylor, Zeta Phi Chapter Spring 2017. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to inspire us.”
Although further details were not shared, the news came as a shock to Malik’s over 250,000 TikTok followers and fellow content creators on the app, who reacted to the news of his death under his Aug. 19 upload.
As TikToker Raymonte wrote in the comments, “Rest in peace handsome.”
While other users expressed their disbelief about the news adding, “do yalll mean RIP!!! WHAT,” with another noting, “Rest easy Malik this just breaks my heart man.”
Prior to his death, Malik celebrated his move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Charlotte, North Carolina, in what would be his final upload to his account.
“Everybody stop me and say, ‘Oh why you move to Charlotte, North Carolina?’” Malik said in the Aug. 19 TikTok video as he panned the camera around showing off his view. “Because I heard the Queen City needed a king. The Queen City needed a king. And before you be like, ‘Oh, I’m here, I’m here.’ Exactly. That’s why they called for me.”
Malik recently marked another special occasion as he celebrated his 28th birthday last month.
“Survived the 27 club (Barely),” he wrote on Instagram July 2 alongside a Great Gatsby-themed photoshoot. “Only right I celebrate my 28th likes it’s the party of the century. Call me Malik Gatsby. Cheers to the rest of my roaring 20s Old Sport.”
