A YouTube star has died at the age of 25, how devastated brother has revealed.
Popular internet star Alysha Burney, who had over five million followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube had been on holiday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at the time her death. She died on March 2, just a day before her 25th birthday.
Her brother, Charles Burney, revealed she died after suffering an asthma attack while sleeping. He shared her cause of death after speculation had circulated online. He revealed his sister did "not do drugs" and said she was a "self-loving and happy individual who cherished her life and was looking forward to the upcoming year’s plans".
Speaking to FOX4, Charles, who was with his sister at the time of her death, slammed the rumours. "There’s a spread of misinformation online, stating different things based on speculation. These sources lack credibility and should not be believed. My sister did not engage in environments that would lead to such situations."
He also said: "She was not selfish with her knowledge and was a very open book about her journey. She will always be dearly loved, and her legacy will live on forever. Alysha was very goal-oriented, creative, and passionate about giving back. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Digital Media Production and was working towards her graduate degree,” he added.
As well as her online presence, Alysha owned her own production company called ABurneyProductions. It had already produced a film and more project were lined up. She had also previously auditioned for TV show Wild 'N Out when she was 19. Despite not being selected, her family say this is what drove her initially to achieve her success online.
Her brother continued to say it was her lifelong dream to become a writer and director and to help other young creatives from her native Kansas City.
Following news of her death, fans took to social media to share messages of condolence. On her last YouTube upload from almost two weeks ago, one user wrote: "Alysha I’m crying writing this. You got me through depression girl. I was DOWN and I found you and you brought me back. You touched so many lives. We love you angel, fly high."
Another added on the post: "R.I.P Alysha.️ You always had us smiling at all of your videos, you mean so much to all of us. We will always love and never forget you." A third said: "Crazy how fast something can happen, she was just trying to celebrate her birthday weekend," while a fourth wrote: "This hurts so bad Alysha , you are still my favorite YouTuber you had randomly came up on my page long ago and I’ve loved you ever since. You are one of my biggest happy places and I’ll love you forever and thank you for helping me laugh again when I forgot how to. Your videos will be on replay. Thank you for helping all these people aswell."
