YouTuber who had cancer announces his own death at 58
A YouTuber pulled at the heartstrings of his followers when he recorded a video of himself announcing his own death due to pancreatic cancer at 58 years old.
Known for reviewing firearms on his platform, Paul Harrell had been in a tough battle with cancer. Anticipating that he wasn't going emerge triumphant against the disease in the end, he had his editor Brad Nelson upload a video he recorded on his YouTube channel on Sept. 3.
Titled "I'm Dead," the entry shows the gun rights activist explaining that he recorded the message on Dec. 20 last year.
"I'm recording this and giving Brad instructions to publish it upon my death. So, if you're watching me, I'm dead," he said.
Paul—who opened up about his diagnosis in July 2023—offered an apology to his fans after he promised them that he was "still going to be here for some time."
"We did catch [the cancer] early, but not as early as I had thought, and it has spread faster than I thought it would," he said, adding that he had been using a crutch to support himself as cancer had spread to his bones.
"My time is drawing very short," he continued before expressing his gratitude to those who have engaged with his videos over the years.
"My sincere apologies. I had hoped I would continue in this format for the next 10 or even 15 years. And even once I was diagnosed, I had hoped that we would be here two or three more years, which turned out to only be a few more months. And my apologies for that, it really makes me feel like I've let everybody down," Paul said.
Reflecting on why he started making videos about firearms and gun safety, the content creator shared that he wanted to "put out useful information, or if not useful, at least interesting information."
"What I really hope is that as you're watching me, you've seen some things that have made you say, 'Oh, I get it, okay.' Things that have made you change something you did in such a way that has helped you," he said.
"I'm really glad to have had this opportunity to do all of the stuff that we've done. I really hope that it's been helpful. I really appreciate you watching, commenting, and participating," he ended.
After his message, Paul's brother Rob confirmed his death as he shared that Paul wished he would "maintain his legacy through this channel by continuing to put out high quality, educational content with the flair we all know and love from him."
Rob asked their followers to give them some time to process Paul's death before they continue making content again.
"[Paul] is now where a man belongs, and will remain an inspiration to us all," Rob said.
In the comments section of the vlog, Internet users paid tribute to the YouTuber and thanked him for all of his great advice regarding firearms.
"Rest in peace Paul. You will be missed by so many. Thanks for the lessons you taught us," one user wrote.
Another one commented, "This man has taught me the things my dad should have. I'm sure there are 1000's more just like me. Guys like us could never show our appreciation to the extent it deserves. Thank you for the life lessons and superb teachings."