Popular Twitch streamer Valkyrae posted a message on X on Tuesday, Oct. 13, saying she will be stepping back from streaming and social media after the death of her nephew.
On Oct. 11, the streamer was playing an online game with some fellow creators when she received a message in the middle of it: "I think I have to end stream. I’m sorry, chat. I need to mute," she can be heard saying. "Okay, my nephew passed away. And I can’t… I can’t, like, do anything because… I’m far. It’s my half-brother’s son. He was so young. He was only two years younger than me.”
Valkyrae breaks down crying and ends her 48-hour marathon after finding out her nephew passed away 💔 pic.twitter.com/QH3OBpwtCr
— ᴠᴏɪᴅ 💿 (@voiddmp4) October 12, 2026
The creator, who has over four million YouTube subscribers and
over one million on Twitch, said in her Tuesday statement that she will focus on spending time with her family. Her post reads: "Grief is complex, whether inevitable loss is slow or sudden. It’s something we all will experience so sharing my own story and hearing others is comforting, knowing that you’re not alone, knowing I’m not alone."
She continued, "I’m leaving town for a few days to be with my family. This being the way I end a marathon was unexpected, so I’ll say now, thank you for the endless support. Streaming has been incredible, and I love how much people enjoy watching just as much as I do entertaining."
Valkyrae ended the statement saying, "Thank you to my friends and community for being empathetic and loving. I will always be endlessly grateful. Take care and tell your loved ones you love them."
This news comes after she shared in February that her brother died. USA TODAY has reached out to Valkyrae to ask if she has any further comment.
Valkyrae got her start over a decade ago streaming on Twitch, where she'd play games like "Fortnite." In 2018, she gained a significant following, and in 2020 her star continued to rise as she livestreamed herself playing the viral game "Among Us" and signed an exclusive streaming contract with YouTube. That ended in 2025, and she now streams on both YouTube and Twitch.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Twitch streamer Valkyrae abruptly steps away after nephew's shocking death
