YouTuber Etika Confirmed Dead Hours After Police Found Man’s Body In East River
Jun. 25 2019, Updated 4:11 p.m. ET
The body of YouTube star Etika has been found, days after he posted a suicidal video on his channel.
The New York Police Department confirmed his death on their Twitter this Tuesday, June 25.
“We regret to inform that Desmond Amofah aka Etika has been found deceased,” they wrote.
The news comes hours after police found a man’s body floating in New York’s East River. At the time, they could not yet confirm his identity but said Etika’s personal belongings were found just half a mile away, on the Manhattan Bridge.
Etika — whose real name was Daniel Desmond Amofah — was last heard from on June 19. Hours later, a video was automatically posted on his YouTube account, and in it, he confessed to being depressed and suicidal.
"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," he said at the time. "I had no intention of killing myself, but I always push it too far."
He had previously uploaded a series of photos and videos of him holding a gun, but his girlfriend told authorities it was fake. According to reports, the Internet star known for his gaming tutorials reportedly blocked his friends from social media hours before disappearing.
"I'm sorry I betrayed your trust, I'm sorry I pushed you all away," Etika said in his final video. "I apologize, I wish it didn't have to be this way."
The 29-year-old had a history of mental health issues.
"Everyone's gotta pay for their sins at some point, I guess mine caught up to me," he concluded.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the U.S. Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.