This 12-year-old cancer sufferer who dreamed of being an influencer and notched up almost 10 million followers in just a few months spent online has died.
Schoolboy Tomas Blanch, better known as ‘Tomiii 11’, the Chilean Youtube sensation, achieved his dream of becoming a YouTube star despite suffering from cancer and in the process captured the imagination of millions of users on platforms like Reddit and Twitter.
He died on Monday (30th August) due to a brain tumour.
Tomas’ rapid rise to YouTube stardom resulted in him not only getting millions of followers but also winning a coveted Copihue de Oro Award, given to leading figures in the entertainment world in his home country Chile, in the category of best YouTuber.
Tomas was seen in his first video wearing an eye patch following brain surgery on a tumour and, as well as being almost blind in one eye, the disease has left him unable to use one of his arms.
The brave schoolboy started a YouTube channel on 19th March (2021) and had just 35 followers at first. Ten days later on 29th March, he was left amazed when it spiralled to 8 million and as of today (1st August), his account is followed by 9.42 million Netizens.
Tomas used to post humorous videos talking about his favourite videogames, his family, his pets and his hobbies.
In one clip, Tomas is surrounded by his friends and siblings while thanking his subscribers and drinks sparkling juice from a wine glass.
In July he posted videos of him playing one of his favourite video games – Minecraft – which racked up over 2.1 million views in no time as his fans flocked to listen to the young boy’s commentary on the game.
Since July Tomas’ sister has kept his fans updated via social media explaining that due to his serious health condition he was not able to make videos.
On Monday, after his death was announced the online community that had spent months enjoying the young boy’s positive and active content sent their condolences to the 12-year-old’s family.
On Tomas’ final post which celebrated him winning the prestigious Giga Awards for Best YouTube-Account messages of support have flooded in from his fans.
One Netizen identified as ‘chtvnega_respal2′ wrote on Tomas’ Instagram: “I send my condolences to the young boy’s family, he was a great one.”
‘el_.peluca’ wrote: “Rest in peace you were a great YouTuber and an idol.”
Countless other comments on the post, which now has 301,008 likes, wished Tomas’ family well and described the 12-year-old as “the king” and “a sensation”.
