Rosario Monachino
Harrison Gilks has tragically died aged 18.
The TikTok star, who went by the username @harrisongilks1, had a staggering 320,000 followers on the social media platform.
Devastatingly, Gilks passed away on March 30.
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His brother, David, has posted a video on his sibling’s account to confirm the heartbreaking news.
He said: “He was not in pain when he passed away and he was with his family.
“I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to everybody from around the world for their support and encouragement.
“It really did mean a lot to him.”
Gilks gained notoriety after documenting his battle with cancer on the social media platform.
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He started a series where he attempted to complete his bucket list before he died.
Gilks was diagnosed with cancer in November 2020, after doctors discovered a large tumour in his prostate and found spots on his lungs.
He underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment and by February 2022, he was in remission.
However, in June of that year, Gilks was told that the cancer had returned and sadly, it was untreatable.
In a post that has been viewed 7.7 million times, the TikToker shared with his followers the unfortunate news.
He said: “This isn’t the normal type of stuff I post, but I found out today that I have terminal cancer.
“I was cancer-free for a little bit, but unfortunately, it came back.
“The reason I’m making this and putting it out there is because I’d like to make a little series.
“I’m gonna go out and do a bunch of stuff that I’ve always wanted to do, maybe skydiving, stuff along those lines.”
His positive outlook on his battle with cancer saw him amass a huge number of fans, who followed him throughout his battle and watched him as he ticked off his bucket list.
Gilks would document some of the things he got to experience, including being pitchside and ringside for NFL and NHL matches, meeting his favourite athletes, going on helicopter rides, and attending music festivals.
He also visited places such as New York City, Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains.
However, on March 21 – a week before he passed away – Gilks shared a sad update on his condition from his hospital bed.
In a TikTok post, he said: “The cancer has spread to my liver and one of my lungs filled with fluid.
“It’s really hard to breathe. The doctors said I don’t have a whole lot of time left. ‘I’ll be in the hospital for the remainder of whatever time I have left. It’s obviously very upsetting.
“I wish there was something that you guys could do, or I could do, or the doctors could do – but there isn’t. This is just the way it goes.
“The best thing you guys can do is pray for me. I’ve been doing a lot of praying. Pray for me and my family. It’s been a great ride.”
Fans of Gilks have paid tribute to him on social media.
One person comments: “Thanks for reminding us how short and fragile life is and that we must live it to its fullest.”
Someone else adds: I loved following Harrisons’s journey. The world [has] lost a wonderful person.”
A third fan says: “Harrison was an inspiration to me. My condolences to you and your family.”
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