The Heartbreaking Death Of YouTube Star Lloyd Cafe Cadena

YouTube star and beloved Filipino comedian, Lloyd Cafe Cadena, has died. At just 26 years old, Cadena was one of the Philippines' most popular internet superstars. While no cause of death has been given, his family announced the news on Friday morning to his 6.5 million followers on Facebook. The statement read, "It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the untimely demise of our beloved brother Lloyd Cafe Cadena. May he be remembered for all the joy and laughter he shared with everyone. My family and I ask for your prayers, respect, and privacy during this time."

Known by his legion of fans and followers as "Kween LC," Cadena started his YouTube channel in 2011, and it quickly grew to over 5 million subscribers in under a decade (via New York Post and Today). The vlogger was most notably adored for his lighthearted and inoffensive videos that featured an array of topics from pranks and cooking demonstrations to unboxing parodies. His honest and humble demeanor endeared him to followers who loved learning about his daily life and family members that often played a major role in his videos (via Newsweek).

News of Lloyd Cafe Cadena's death traveled quickly through social media and fans took to Twitter and Facebook to express their condolences and shock over the international star's untimely passing. Quickly becoming a trending topic on Twitter, an array of celebrities and global personalities have joined Cadena's fans to express their remorse (via Today). Most notably, Hong Kong TV personality Richard Juan wrote, "Not a lot of you may remember this, but one of the first collabs I ever did was with Lloyd Cadena (he agreed to collab with me when I was literally at less than 10k subs!). Lloyd was one of the funniest, non-toxic, and humble YouTuber I've ever met. Thank you Lloyd; RIP." Filipina actress and singer-songwriter Maris Racal tweeted, "oh my god. Lloyd Cadena was such a joy to watch. Rest in peace."

With online tributes from fans featuring his signature catchphrases "Darna" and "Gusto mo yun?" the heartbreak and sadness is palpable (via New York Post).