Dominique McShain

Celebrity

Dominique McShain Has Died Aged 21

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14:51 24 April 2025

Updated: 16:02 24 April 2025


TikTok star Dominique McShain has sadly died at age 21.

The content creator, from Christchurch, New Zealand, had over 200,000 followers on the social media platform.

After hearing the heartbreaking news of McShain’s passing, tributes have poured in online.

One fan writes: “You’ve been an inspiration. Truly. Enjoy that long run in the sky. Thinking of you.”

Another adds: “Sweet Dom, your life has shared so much joy and light with the rest of us. All my love.”

“RIP sweet girl,” comments a third follower.

Somebody else says: “You will be greatly missed.”

Dominique McShain
Dominique McShain has tragically died at age 21. Credit: @dominiquemcshain/Instagram

Earlier this month, McShain revealed to her followers that she had only days to live.

The TikToker was diagnosed with colon cancer – sometimes called colorectal cancer – after noticing blood in her stool, experiencing periods of fatigue, and constipation.

Other symptoms of colon cancer include diarrhea, changes in stool shape, abdominal pain or cramping, and unexplained weight loss.

“Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon,” Mayo Clinic explains.

“The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. The digestive system breaks down food for the body to use.”

Dominique McShain
Dominique McShain documented her cancer journey on social media. Credit: @dominiquemcshain/Instagram

As reported by the BBC, there are rising cases of colon cancer and other cancers in people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s across 24 countries, including the U.K. and U.S.

The issue of early on-set cancer has become a matter of concern among medical professionals.

McShain had been studying psychology before receiving the devastating diagnosis.

Shortly after her cancer was discovered, she began documenting her journey online, quickly amassing thousands of followers.

Initially, the TikTok star was told she had up to five years to live, however, she passed away this month, just over a year since her diagnosis.

McShain’s fans were left heartbroken when she took to Instagram on April 7 and shared a ‘final update.’

The 21-year-old said: “I want to be direct with you all: this will be my final update on my cancer journey until I have passed away.

“I’ve recently been given a prognosis about five days ago of only a few days to a few weeks to live. My life may be short, but I genuinely think I’ve squeezed every bit out of it.”

Dominique McShain
Dominique McShain said she ‘checked all of the classic teenage milestones’ and experienced some ‘big adult moments.’ Credit: @dominiquemcshain/Instagram

She continued: “I won the lottery with a family that loves me unconditionally, friends who would 10000% donate a liver to me or do anything they could (and probably argue over who gets to do it).

“Recently, I’ve been picturing Heaven often — a place where l’ll finally be free from the pain that’s been with me for so long. I imagine myself without the constant suffering, no longer needing medication just to survive the day.

“I’ll be able to run, to breathe, to feel whole. Though it will hurt to leave you all behind, please know that I will finally be out of pain, and I will be at peace.”

McShain added that she ‘checked all of the classic teenage milestones,’ and experienced ‘big adult moments’ like getting married, getting a dog, and traveling.

“Of course there are so many key adult moments I won’t get to experience, things I won’t get to be or have, and that’s something I’ve had to come to terms with,” she noted.

“The grief of what I’m missing out on is no longer overwhelming though. Recently, I’ve found a sense of acceptance. Each doctor’s visit, each piece of bad news, has truthfully desensitized me to much of the pain, but in the process I’ve found peace in knowing there’s something more waiting for me on the other side.”

@dominiquemcshain

So nervous posting this but if you want to follow my journey with colorectal cancer I will be sharing parts of my life here. #cancer #colorectalcancer #incurable #youngcancerfighter

♬ original sound – Dominique McShain

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