Steve Bridges, a TikTok comedian celebrated for his relatable point-of-view sketches about everyday life, has died at the age of 41.
His wife, Chelsey, shared the news on Friday in a video on Bridges’ Instagram account, revealing that he passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on October 15.
The Peoria, Illinois, Police Department confirmed to TMZ that officers responded on Wednesday to a report of a natural death at a private residence.
Steve Bridges, a TikTok comedian known for his popular POV sketches about everyday life, has died at age 41.
“Who you saw online was just the characters that he created,” his wife, Chelsey, said in a video announcing his passing.
“He was the most attentive father and the best husband,” she added, describing him as “the greatest, sweetest man.”
Chelsey also expressed gratitude for the impact Bridges had online: “And thanks to you, internet, he’s been able to live his dream of making people laugh. I am so thankful that he got to do that.”
Bridges amassed more than 2 million followers across TikTok and Instagram with comedic sketches featuring exaggerated versions of everyday personalities, including solar panel salesmen, “deadbeat boyfriends,” and kids at public pools.
Bridges’ wife, Chelsey, announced his death on Friday, saying he passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on October 15.
Chelsey, who often appeared alongside him in his videos, said her husband had been focused on fitness and diet after losing several relatives at a young age, including his father, grandfather, and grandmother.
She noted that his grandmother died in her sleep at 52, while both his father and grandfather passed away in their 40s.
The Peoria, Illinois, Police Department confirmed to TMZ that officers responded on Wednesday to a report of a natural death at a private residence.
“I’m not going to tell my children that they can’t grieve online,” Chelsey said. “I will probably grieve online too. This is life now. Please never take it for granted and try to live your dreams every day. Love your family and take care of yourself.”
The couple had been married for 16 years and shared three children: a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old twin sons.
Bridges amassed more than 2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok.
Friend and filmmaker Eric Mathis remembered him as “an incredible talent beloved by millions,” adding that “he was so kind, so genuine, so passionate about his art.”
A GoFundMe campaign set up by friends to support the Bridges family had raised more than $36,000 as of Friday evening.
Funeral arrangements are private, Chelsey said.
