Grant Thompson, the 38-year-old star of popular YouTube channel “King of Random,” died on Monday in a paragliding accident in southern Utah.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Thompson’s body was recovered on Tuesday morning in St. George, Utah after his family submitted a missing person’s report on Monday night, Variety reported. Volunteers with the sheriff’s search and rescue team located Thompson’s body by using the last-known GPS coordinates from his phone, BuzzFeed News noted.
“It is with great sadness to inform everyone that Grant Thompson passed away last night. Grant had great love and appreciation for his fans,” said a statement on “The King of Random’s” Instagram. “Grant’s legacy will live on in the channel and the global community he created.”
Thompson, who is known for his cool videos such as how to make a laser assisted blowgun and how to open coconuts without any tools, has more than 11 million subscribers on his YouTube channel “The King of Random.” His most popular tutorial, how to make Lego gummy candy, has more than 34 million views on YouTube.
Fans and YouTube community members offered their condolences and discussed how Thompson was a positive force in their lives.
We’re deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Grant Thompson, a gifted, passionate and endlessly curious creator. We send our deepest condolences to his loving family, The King of Random team and fans. https://t.co/pUY4q1EWcU pic.twitter.com/oL3VVSXacf
— YouTube (@YouTube) July 30, 2019
Every time I saw Grant Thompson his passion, enthusiasm, and kindness was palpable when we would chat. You might be gone but we can still visit your old videos and spend time together. Rest in peace, Grant.
— Jake Roper (@jakerawr) July 31, 2019
So sad to learn about the tragic passing of YouTube’s King of Random, Grant Thompson.
He was passionate and fearless with videos that inspired millions of future scientists.
You’re gone FAR too soon, but the HUGE positive impact you made will be felt for a long time. pic.twitter.com/Pz4lPdOCU4
— MatPat (@MatPatGT) July 30, 2019
Rip to a true legend ?#TheKingOfRandom #grantthompson pic.twitter.com/pXBlzfT5hC
— elon musk (@Savage_Solez) July 30, 2019
A moment of Silence. For Grant Thompson “The King of Random”. According to the channel’s official Discord, He passed away last night… He will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/oVqQSDbBkH
— Jared – Dredgen Frost (@madaris_jared) July 30, 2019
RIP to the legend Grant Thompson. Thank you for inspiring and touching so many of us with your curiosity, creativity, and passion. You will be forever missed.
Our sincerest condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/7imk3QuGLY
— VidCon (@VidCon) July 30, 2019
GRANT THOMPSON THE KING OF RANDOM DIED. i remember watching him all the time on youtube this is so fucking terrible pic.twitter.com/4qpjGcjTo9
— jessie (@jessieluhoo) July 31, 2019
“I‘m in complete shock and my heart is broken. According to his Instagram, my friend Grant Thompson, tragically passed away last night,” Matthew Santoro, creator of Fact Maniac and a close friend of Thompson, wrote on Twitter. “Grant was always one of the most kind members of the YouTube community and a good friend. He will truly be missed.”
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