It has been confirmed by a family spokesperson that 27-year-old Keenan Cahill, a YouTube star, passed away on December 29, 2021. The spokesperson spoke with WGN-TV about the tragic news.
Keenan Cahill, an internet personality from Chicago, Illinois, gained popularity on YouTube for his lip-sync videos in which he would perform popular songs.
Keenan Cahill first gained fame in 2010 with his lip-sync performance of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," which has garnered 58 million views on YouTube.
Throughout his career, Keenan Cahill collaborated with a variety of celebrities on his YouTube channel, including Jennifer Aniston, 50 Cent, Tinie Tempah, Maroon 5, The Wanted, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry.
Keenan Cahill, who was 27 years old, had Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome, a condition that causes inflammation, scarring, and deterioration of various tissues and organs in the body. It is a progressive condition that worsens over time.
After being diagnosed with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome at the age of one, Keenan Cahill underwent several treatments to manage the condition. These included a bone marrow transplant in 1997 and surgery to relieve intracranial tension.
Earlier in December, Keenan Cahill shared on Instagram that he would be having open heart surgery on December 15. He informed his followers about the upcoming procedure.
Tributes have been flooding in for the late Keenan Cahill, including from DJ Pauly D, who had previously collaborated with him. Many people are mourning his passing and remembering him fondly.
DJ Pauly D posted a photo of himself and Keenan Cahill together at the DJ booth and wrote: "Rip Keenan... Thank You for always making the world smile."
Writer and director Michael A. MacRae also shared a photo of himself with Keenan Cahill and wrote:
"This one stings. Keenan was so widely loved for his infectious energy he spread on YouTube. He had a passion to make people smile. RIP, friend. See you again. #rip #gonetoosoon #keenancahill."
A WGN Morning News producer also shared their thoughts, stating:
"Sad news: Friend of @WGNMorningNews, one of the first @YouTube sensations, @KeenanCahill passed away after open heart surgery.
"Keenan had over 500-million views. From 2010 to 2014, you could not go to a bar, nightclub or use @Google w/out seeing his image. He was 27. #RIPKeenan."
Fans have also shared their own heartfelt tributes to Keenan Cahill, with one saying: "He was such a great talent! Sympathies to his family and friends. RIP @KeenanCahill."
Another commented: "Very sad to hear that Keenan Cahill has passed away. I have fond memories of working with him and his team on 'Hands Up', a collaboration with Electrovamp."
A third added: "Thank you for making so many people smile."
