YouTube Star's Health Crisis: Multiple Organs Begin to Fail
Popular YouTube creator Brandon Buckingham has been admitted to intensive care, delivering the shocking news to his fans that several of his vital organs have started to fail. The 30-year-old documentary-style reporter, who has built an audience of over a million subscribers, broke the alarming update in a stark message posted to X late on Friday.
A Harrowing Message From the Hospital Bed
In a direct and emotional post from his hospital bed, Buckingham told his followers: 'In the ICU, my heart is failing, my lungs are failing, my liver and kidneys are failing.' He added the heartbreaking words, 'Things are not looking good my friends. I love you guys.'
This distressing development followed an earlier warning to fans earlier in the week, where he revealed that doctors were urgently working to identify the cause of his rapid physical decline. On Wednesday, he indicated that medical specialists suspected he could be suffering from a combination of serious conditions, including tuberculosis, septic pneumonia, and/or liver failure, and had asked his supporters for their prayers.
Buckingham shared a photo showing him visibly weakened and requiring a nasal cannula for oxygen, which immediately triggered an outpouring of concern from his audience. Hundreds of supportive messages flooded in, with one follower writing, 'Pray the lord gives you the strength to get back to 100%', while another added, 'Sending prayers.'
A Sudden and Shocking Downturn
What makes his sudden critical condition particularly shocking is that just days before this downturn, the creator had sounded cautiously hopeful. He had informed his followers that he was 'out of the hospital for now' and that his condition appeared to have stabilised. He had shared an optimistic outlook, stating, 'God willing, in a few weeks I will be able to start improving.'
Buckingham has a history of being transparent with his viewers about his personal struggles, including his mental health. Earlier this year, he spoke candidly about the profound impact his grandmother's death had on him. In a deeply personal message at the time, he admitted, 'I haven’t been in a good place for a bit… I am struggling with my mental health.' He poignantly added, 'I feel I have more people waiting for me in heaven than here on earth.. I love you grandma, say hi to Kyle for me. I wish I could die with you.'
Known for his distinctive documentary work, which includes interviewing strangers across America and tackling global issues, Buckingham has amassed a significant following of 1.21 million subscribers. His most recent upload was a documentary filmed in Lebanon, focusing on what he described as the 'homeless child epidemic in the Middle East.' His channel has also featured appearances from notable figures such as rapper Machine Gun Kelly and fellow YouTuber Tommy G.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.