The family of popular influencer Ben Bader has paid tribute to him following his untimely passing at the age of 25.

In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, October 27, the families of Bader and Upham described Ben as a “visionary who led with love, lived with intention, and dedicated his passions to helping others.”

“He profoundly touched everyone he encountered with his wisdom, humor, and compassion,” the family shared with People. “Ben seized each day with vigor, inspiring those around him to find meaning, connection, and purpose in their own lives.”

Bader’s loved ones also expressed their deep appreciation for the outpouring of support and messages they have received during this difficult time.

The online community is mourning the loss of several social media influencers in 2025. On April 1, nursing influencer Hailey Okula passed away at 33, shortly after the birth of her first child. Her husband, Matthew Okula, revealed that she succumbed to an amniotic fluid embolism but was able to briefly meet their newborn before her passing.

“His light will continue to shine through the countless people he touched,” they continued. “[Thank you] for the outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues and community members across the country.”

The statement asked for privacy as Bader’s loved ones navigate their loss. They used their tribute to reflect on Bader’s life, noting he was born early at 28 weeks.

“He carried that same resilience, gratitude and drive throughout his life. His legacy continues to inspire others to lead with kindness, purpose and authenticity,” they shared. “[Ben was] a gifted writer, impactful social media influencer [and the leader of The Artisan Lab] who was dedicated to helping creators, coaches and entrepreneurs turn their passions into thriving online businesses. Through his programs, he empowered clients to find their purpose, share their message and achieve meaningful success.”

Bader’s family said his inspirational social media posts “capture the essence” of “someone who led with light, sought truth and reminded others to find peace and purpose within themselves.”

“Though our hearts are broken, we will carry on Ben’s legacy in everything we do,” they concluded. “We will keep his memory alive by leading with love, living with purpose and carrying forward his passions that made the world brighter.”

After the family confirmed that Bader died on Thursday, October 23, his girlfriend, Reem, shared her own tribute.

Several social media personalities confirmed their own deaths with posthumously released statements and recorded messages. Bella Bradford, for her part, recorded a video for her TikTok page ahead of her October 2024 death. “I have terminal cancer and unfortunately, by now, my life has come to an end, and I’ve passed away,” Bradford, who was […]

“Ben was the kindest, most caring, most generous person I have ever met in my entire life,” she wrote via TikTok. “He genuinely loved every single person that he met and he was so positive all the time.”

Reem referred to Bader’s death as “extremely sudden,” adding, “There were really no signs of this happening — we were supposed to get dinner that night and he seemed so normal. I had just talked to him on FaceTime a couple hours before he passed and he was so happy and so normal and he was just smiling and being so funny.”

Following the news of Bader’s death, his friends shared their fondest memories with him.

“Rest easy, Ben,” creator Trina Nuance wrote in a post via Instagram, noting that she met Bader on X. “You were such a talented writer. The world’s lucky to have your mind & soul immortalized across platforms. I’ll never forget our heart to heart.”

Bader’s friend Jimmy Farley, meanwhile, wrote, “You’re the best friend anyone could’ve ever asked for and I will forever thank God that I was lucky enough to be one of them. The boys and I will be honoring your name and looking out for the fam until the day we join you too my brother.”