Popular YouTube vlogger Caleb Bratayley has died of natural causes aged 13, his mother has announced. The sunny teenager was a member of the Bratayley clan whose home videos earned them a massive following on their channel. The family had 1.3 million subscribers and their videos had been seen more than 1 billion times.
Caleb's mother Katie said his death had come as a "shock" to them. Referring to her son by his nickname of "baked potato", she said the family would miss the " incredibly funny, loving and wonderful spirit (that) made us all fall in love with him as a YouTuber, friend, brother and son".
She did not reveal any more details of his cause of death. However, her shock was echoed by fans especially given Caleb appeared healthy and active.
In a video made the day before he passed away but posted afterwards, the youngster is seen joking around with his sisters Annie, 10, and Hayley, seven.
A message on the screen said: "It is with our deepest sorrow to report that the Instagram announcement was indeed true.
"In addition to our desire to give the Internet community the chance to begin the grieving process, we also wanted to post this video to show a healthy and happy Caleb doing what he loved.
"Thank you for all the love and support that everyone has shown our family. And we ask for continued love and support as we move through the grieving process."
The clip takes the form of a mock interview over breakfast. Caleb was asked the question: "What would you ask your future self". His answer was: "Does Taco Bell still exist?"
At the end of the clip another message told viewers: "He will never get to meet his future self. None of us will and we are very sad because he would have been great. Please kiss your kids and tell them you love them every day. You never know what day will be their last."
