YouTube Star Desmond 'Etika' Amofah Found Dead in the East River Days After Reported Missing
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The body of the popular gaming vlogger was found floating in the waters near South Street Seaport on Monday, June 24, days after he posted a concerning video in which he hinted at being suicidal.

AceShowbiz - YouTube Star Desmond "Etika" Amofah has died at 29. The New York Police Department confirmed on Tuesday, June 25 that the gaming vlogger was found dead on Monday, June 24, nearly a week after he went missing.

The NYPD shared the news through its official Twitter page. "We regret to inform that Desmond Amofah aka Etika has been found deceased," the tweet read.

Detective Sophia Mason, DCPI Spokesperson, also released a statement to inform people, "On Monday, June 24, 2019 at approximately 1818 hours, police responded to a 911 call for a person floating in the waters in the vicinity of South Street Seaport in the confines of the 1st Precinct. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive, unidentified male at the location. NYPD Harbor removed the male to the Pier 16 where EMS pronounced him deceased. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing."

Desmond passed away days after he posted a now-deleted disturbing video in which he opened up about his suicidal thoughts. "I'm sorry to those of you who I betrayed. I'm sorry for leaving such a stained legacy," he said in the video. "I hope that my story maybe helps to make YouTube a better place in the future where people know boundaries and limits and how far things should go."

He continued, "You know, I wasn't suicidal before - I really wasn't. But one thing I didn't realize was that the walls were closing around me so fast. I really had no intention of killing myself but I'd always push it too far." He continued, "I guess I am mentally ill."

He additionally warned people of the dark side of Internet and social media. "Let my story be one that advises caution on too much of the social- media s**t, man," he said. "It will f**k you up and give you an image of what you want your life to be and it can get blown completely out of proportion, dog. Unfortunately, it consumed me."

The video caused fans to worry about Desmond's well-being. Search began on the YouTube personality as the NYPD posted on Twitter on Thursday, "Have you seen Desmond Amofah aka Etika? He was last heard from June 19 at about 8PM by phone. He is 29 years old, approx 6 feet tall, and 160 lbs. He is a known @YouTube blogger and has many people concerned after a recent video. Call @NYPDTips anonymously with info 800-577-TIPS."

After police confirmed his death, YouTube released a statement via Twitter which read, "We mourn the loss of Etika, a beloved member of our gaming creator community. All of us at YouTube are sending condolences to his loved ones and fans."

Fellow YouTube stars also sent their condolences, with James Charles writing, "RIP Etika. My heart is so so heavy hearing this news. I hope that the community FINALLY realizes that creators are human beings with real, valid feelings. Someone having followers doesn't excuse cyberbullying. It's so easy to be kind to one another!"

Lux tweeted, "RIP Etika. We didn't know each other but I just wanted to say rest in peace. It gets said a lot on social media but I'm gonna say it again. Reach out to someone, anyone, to talk through things. There are always people that care about you."

Canadian gamer FaZe Cbass wrote, "Mental illness is not a joke, nor is it something you should keep inside. I've had my struggles from time to time too. We all do. REACH OUT when it happens, no matter how much you feel you can't. Nobody is alone in this life. Rest In Peace, Etika."

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