'Gone too soon': Fans mourn death of Maddy Baloy who candidly shared her terminal cancer journey on TikTok

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA: TikTok star Maddy Baloy who fearlessly shared her cancer journey that captured the hearts of millions worldwide has died at the age of 26.

The death of the young woman who documented her life with terminal cancer was confirmed by her fiance Louis Risher.

Maddy Baloy's fiance reveals she was 'surrounded with love' when she died

On Thursday, May 2, Risher stated, "Madison passed away peacefully last night," adding that the 26-year-old was "surrounded with love."

"She is so special. I turned 27 yesterday, actually. I was holding her hand all day and that’s all I needed," he told, according to People.

Baloy is survived by her mother Carissa Talmege, 47, her stepfather Lucky Talmege, 45, and her fiance Risher.

Inside Maddy Baloy's cancer diagnosis

In 2022, Baloy began experiencing stomach issues and hoped to solve the problem by changing her diet for more than a year.

However, on February 22, 2023, the young woman's fiance urged her to seek medical attention when she began experiencing sensory issues and repeatedly vomited blood.

Baloy, who worked as a teacher at Shore Acres Elementary in Florida, initially attributed the health issue to various causes including a potential worm infection or contracting a stomach virus from one of her Kindergarten students.

After she sought medical attention, doctors found abnormalities in her large intestine which resulted in an emergency surgery.

Later, numerous cancerous tumors were found pressing on her large intestine

She was given the devastating diagnosis, initially expecting five years to live.

Maddy Baloy documented her life after feeling 'alone and isolated'

Following her shocking diagnosis, Baloy felt "alone and isolated" and decided to join TikTok.

The young woman used the platform to chronicle her terminal cancer journey.

Reflecting on the importance of being able to experience "every single emotion while we're here because we're not going to be here for long,” Baloy said,  "I knew that I had a lot to say." 

In one of Baloy's most cherished videos, she outlined her bucket list which included her desire to have a "beautiful wedding," to get a tattoo with her grandmother, and to meet Gordon Ramsay.

In February, she fulfilled her wish to meet the celebrity chef after they met for dinner at one of Ramsay's Hell’s Kitchen locations.

She also joined the chef later for the opening of his new restaurant Lucky Cat in South Beach.

Internet pays tribute to TikToker Maddy Baloy

Sending prayers and tributes to Baloy who died of cancer at the age of 26, one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "So young and beautiful, gone way too soon! May you rest peacefully, Maddy!"

"Rest in peace Maddy," a user tweeted while another user commented, "Man, that's rough. Way too young to go. Her vids were real and raw, helped a lot of people feel less alone in their fights. RIP Maddy."

One user wrote, "Damn, 26 is way too young. Rest in peace, Maddy," and another user tweeted, "She is so very beautiful, so young, gone too soon."

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