Why Criscilla Anderson and More Influencers Announced Their Own Deaths

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If there’s one thing influencers know how to do, it’s create a story. 

Criscilla Anderson, a hip-hop dancer who appeared on the Netflix reality show Country Ever After with her husband, Coffey Anderson, decided to take control of her story when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She wanted to determine how her life would end, facing the illness with courage.

In a final Instagram post on December 2nd, the 45-year-old wrote that she had peacefully passed away, finding comfort in her faith. She asked her friend, Lindsey Villatoro, to share the message, and urged others not to dwell on sadness, explaining that she had lived and loved fully.

And now, she added, “I am not gone… I’m Home.”

Though the former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders choreographer – who shares 14-year-old Ethan, 12-year-old Emmarie, and 9-year-old Everleigh with her partner, as well as a 17-year-old daughter Savannah from a previous relationship – felt ready to retire, her loved ones were shocked and heartbroken by her decision.

Coffey shared on Instagram that dancer Criscilla was an incredibly strong and inspiring person. Criscilla had gone into remission in 2021, but sadly, her cancer returned in late 2022. Coffey wrote, ‘Heaven gained a star today,’ to express their grief.

Speaking about his ex-wife, whom he separated from in 2022 after 13 years together, he said they already deeply miss her. He described feeling heartbroken and lost, and admitted that life feels different and quieter without her.

Viola Davis, the Academy Award-winning actress, called the news “absolutely devastating” after seeing Criscilla’s post. She shared that she has been and will continue to pray for Criscilla’s family, children, and legacy.

Criscilla wanted to ensure her story continued, so she asked a close friend to share her last message.

Lindsey shared that she promised to support Criscilla through difficult times, whenever Criscilla needed help. She hopes Criscilla knew how deeply loved she was, and Lindsey considers it a privilege to have been with her until the end.

This mother of four is one of many celebrities who recently chose to publicly share news of their passing themselves. Here’s a look at other public figures who announced their own deaths.

It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news of a truly vibrant soul’s passing. Many of you may remember Kierra Johnson from her work choreographing for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, or perhaps you caught her on Netflix’s Country Ever After with her ex-husband, Coffey Anderson. Sadly, after a courageous seven-year fight with colon cancer, she passed away at just 45. She was a bright light, and will be deeply missed.

In a December 2025 Instagram post shared by her friend Lindsey Villatoro, she wrote that she had peacefully passed away, finding comfort in her faith. Her message asked those grieving not to dwell on the sadness, but to remember her strength and the love she shared.

I was so touched when Criscilla spoke directly to all the kids – Ethan, Emmarie, Everleigh, and Coffey’s daughter from before, Savannah. She called them ‘my whole heart,’ and it was just so sweet to see how much she loves them all.

To Ethan, she said, “You made me a mom, and I’m always here supporting you.” She continued, addressing Savannah as her “bonus daughter,” and said Savannah was a wonderful gift. To Emmarie, her daughter who loves Jesus and dances, she encouraged her to keep dancing throughout her life. And to Everleigh, her “bright spark,” she urged her to fearlessly pursue her dreams.

Criscilla said, “My children… I’m always with you. When you feel a comforting warmth, a sense of familiarity, or experience something wonderfully unexpected—that’s me looking after you. I’m still your mother, and I’ll always be there for you.”

Tanner Martin, a social media influencer who bravely shared his five-year fight with colon cancer, along with his life with wife Shay and daughter AmyLou, has passed away. He announced his own death personally.

In a video shared on Instagram in June 2025, Tanner revealed, “If you’re seeing this, it means I’ve passed away.”

Tanner, who was 30 years old when he died, decided to create a video announcing his passing after seeing someone else do the same. He thought it would be a good way to share his final thoughts and highlight his wife and daughter, whom he lovingly called “Jiaozi.”

In his video, he shared, “I’ve had a wonderful life.” He expressed his sincere gratitude for all the support and love he received from everyone, both during his life and for his family. He then asked for continued prayers for his wife, Shay, and their daughter, Jiaozi.

The influencer thanked his followers, and his last wish was for them to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.

“It was a good life,” Tanner said. “I truly appreciated my time here. I hope there’s something more after this, and maybe we’ll meet again. I’m just looking forward to seeing so many people I’ve missed, and knowing they’re finally at peace and happy.”

In October 2024, Bella Bradford, a TikTok creator, passed away at the age of 24 after fighting a rare cancer in her jaw.

In a video message, Bella shared that she had terminal cancer and had sadly passed away. She explained she wanted to create one last ‘Get Ready With Me’ video because she enjoyed fashion and making them. She thanked her followers for joining her and hoped they would continue to watch her videos and find some happiness whenever they needed it.

And despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Bella left followers with a hopeful note. 

“Remember that you live every day and you only die once,” she explained, “so everything helps.”

In October 2024, an Australian TV presenter revealed she had passed away in a post on Instagram. She had been living with motor neuron disease—a condition similar to ALS—for three years.

Fiona shared a final message on Instagram with pictures of herself and her sons, Harry and Rafe. She wrote, “Farewell, my friends.” Her sister, Kylie, posted it for her, adding that Fiona had passed away and hoped she was at peace.

And the 67-year-old did not hide the debilitating effect her disease had on the end of her life. 

She admitted the past few months had been incredibly difficult, and that while she never wanted to end her life, the idea of escaping her physical pain offered some comfort.

She finished by saying she didn’t want to say goodbye, hoping to meet them again someday. She promised to cherish their love and laughter, and asked that they remember hers.

Kimberley Nix, a Canadian influencer, sadly passed away in May 2024. For three years, she had been openly sharing her experiences with metastatic sarcoma online.

In a TikTok video, Kimberley announced to her followers that she had passed away peacefully.

The 31-year-old influencer, a doctor who trained in internal medicine, described her happy life and listed some of her favorite things—her pets, makeup, and her husband, Michael MacIsaac.

Kimberley, who shared information about her health condition with her followers after being diagnosed in 2021, also thanked her online community for their support.

She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I love you all, and I’m so thankful for this incredible opportunity.” Overcome with emotion, she added that they had given her a renewed sense of purpose, especially meaningful at this stage in her life.

In February 2024, Daniella Thackray announced her passing on Facebook. She had been bravely fighting cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and fast-growing cancer that affects the bile ducts in the liver.

Danielle, from Leeds in the United Kingdom, wrote this message to be shared after her death from cancer. She explained that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Despite being heartbroken, she decided to focus on enjoying the time she had left, rather than dwelling on what she was losing.

The 24-year-old shared that she wished for more research into her cancer, as its causes and a potential cure remain unknown. However, she stressed that she had lived a full and meaningful life despite her illness.

In her goodbye message, Daniella encouraged everyone to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and savor every moment. She urged people to find joy in everyday things and to prioritize their own happiness, refusing to let anyone dim their sparkle.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen many heartfelt goodbyes, and Daniella’s final message to her fiancé, Tom Calvert, was particularly touching. She simply wrote, ‘I love you and always will. Go enjoy your life now, you deserve it.’ It’s a beautiful example of letting someone go with love and wanting their happiness, even in the face of immense personal difficulty. It really highlights the power of selfless love.

Paul Harrell, a popular YouTube reviewer of firearms with over a million subscribers, passed away from pancreatic cancer in September 2024. He shared a final video titled “I’m Dead” before his death.

In a video Paul said he recorded in December 2023, he told viewers, “If you’re watching this, I’m gone.”

In his video, Paul shared that despite an early diagnosis, his cancer quickly spread to his bones, leading him to believe he doesn’t have much time left.

Paul expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported his work by watching, liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, or donating through Patreon, simply saying, “Thank you.”

As he put it, “I can’t even begin to articulate how beneficial and appreciated those things are.”

The 58-year-old also expressed his apologies to his fans for suddenly leaving his career.

He shared that he’d expected to continue working this way for another decade or more, but a recent diagnosis meant he only had a few months left. He expressed his regret, saying he felt like he’d disappointed everyone.

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2025-12-08 04:18