16-year-old TikTok star, who was known for his Freddie Mercury impression, dies a week after cancer diagnosis
An influencer has died aged 16, just a week after falling ill and being diagnosed with cancer.
New Zealander Te Whero died on Friday February 13, after first falling ill the previous Friday, on Waitangi Day, the country’s naitonal day.
The teen social media star rose to fame online and won fans around the world for posting a video of him singing the Queen hit “I Want To Break Free” - while dressed like Freddie Mercury.
On Waitangi Day, on Friday February 6, Whero started suffering with a sore leg and spent the a day on the sofa. The day after, he was experiencing stomach pain which led to him vomiting. He then went to hospital.
Doctors carried out scans and discovered he had cancer in both his stomach and his brain.
Whero lip-synced alongside his guardian, Te Warena, in videos she posted online during the Covid-19 pandemic. His sister Josie-Rose performed too, and occasionally his brother Charlie.
The family have frequently shared many videos in the years since, and they have racked up millons of views. It was only a few days ago, however, that Whero’s mum shocked fans by telling them that her son was was sick and wouldn’t be returning to their channels. Then, just another few days later, he had died.
Announcing his death online, Warena said: “He was so brave and I will miss him with all my heart. However, I am happy you are in no more pain my baby boy. I love you so much and it was an honour to have been your mum.”
A Givealittle fundraiser was set up by Viv Young, the mother of Whero’s best friend Matt, which has raised more than $8,000 towards a $12,000 goal at the time of writing. The page is called Te Whero - too young to leave, too loved to forget.
A message on the page reads: “Te Whero’s sudden passing has left an enormous hole in the hearts of everyone who loved him. He was a special young man, deeply cherished, and his loss is being felt far and wide — especially by his younger siblings, Josie Rose and Charlie.
“We are raising funds to help ease the immediate financial burden of funeral expenses and to support Josie Rose and Charlie as they begin navigating life without their big brother.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help relieve financial pressure and allow the focus to remain where it should be — on grieving, remembering Te Whero, and caring for one another. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and aroha during this incredibly difficult time.”
Whero’s family decided to live stream his funeral so that his fans could also say goodbye to him. The live stream from his funeral service, which took place last week, so popular online that many supporters couldn’t access the link to be able to see it.