Steve Bridges, a popular TikTok comedian with more than 2.2 million followers on the platform has died, his wife confirmed on social media.
The Peoria Police Department in Illinois responded to what they classified as a “natural cause of death” at a private residence, TMZ reported.
The Context
Bridges’ sudden death at age 41 has resonated with fans, particularly given his focus on family and the relatability of his content. He was known for his skits about everyday life, and he portrayed exaggerated characters like baby daddies and school janitors.
What To Know
Bridges was found dead on his couch at his Peoria home on Wednesday, October 15, his wife, Chelsey Bridges, said in an emotional video posted to the TikToker’s social media accounts. She stated that he had died “peacefully in his sleep” and that his death was “totally out of the blue.”
According to TMZ, Steve Bridges’ grandmother, father and grandfather had all died young—his grandmother at 52 and both male relatives in their 40s. Like Bridges, his grandmother had fallen asleep and not woken up.
Law enforcement has only cited “natural causes” as a cause of death, and no official autopsy information or detailed medical examiner’s report has been made public at the time of publication.
The Bridges were married for 16 years and have three children: a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old twin boys.
What People Are Saying
In her public statement, Chelsey Bridges said: “Who you saw online was just the characters that he created. He was so talented because he was the opposite of all of them. He was the most attentive father, and the best, the best husband. And the greatest, sweetest man. 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.”
She added: “I’m not going to tell my children that they can’t grieve online. 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.”
Comedian Matt Rife said on TikTok: “He made me laugh every single time. God bless him and your family.”
Filmmaker Eric Mathis wrote via Instagram: “This is one of the worst announcements I could ever have to make… our brother from another mother Steve Bridges has passed away. Steve was an incredible talent beloved by millions of fans across the world, he was part of our tight knit film family, he was a husband and a father to 3 young kids. At 41, he is gone way too soon. Everyone who had the pleasure, the absolute pleasure of meeting Steve, they all loved him. He was so kind, so genuine, so passionate about his art, and infectious in his many amazing traits. We are all in shock, we grieve with his family, and we are all heavy with the weight of his loss. Steve made us all laugh, he became part of my core film team, and the world really lost an amazing man with his passing. Please keep Steve, his family, and his many MANY friends in your thoughts. Rest easy brother.. You are forever our ‘Mikey’!”
What Happens Next
In the aftermath of his death, friends established a GoFundMe to assist Bridges family, which has drawn significant support from his fan base. More than $63,000 has been raised as of Wednesday morning.
