TikTok star Sydney Towle, who shared her cancer journey online, dies aged 26

What the report says

Sydney Towle, a TikTok and Instagram creator who documented her life with cancer, has died at 26, according to a statement from her family shared on her social accounts. BBC World News reported that she died from complications linked to bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, after nearly three years of treatment. Towle had been living in New York City and was moved to hospice care earlier in the week before her death was announced.

Towle built a large following by posting about the realities of living with a rare and aggressive cancer, including chemotherapy, hospital stays, setbacks and moments of optimism. Her family said she wanted to raise awareness about rare cancers and encourage self-advocacy. After the announcement, followers posted tributes across her accounts.

The BBC said Towle had recently shared videos from hospital after learning the disease had spread further, including to her peritoneum. In one post in May, she said her oncologist had recommended end-of-life care, but she chose to seek another specialist and keep fighting. Despite her illness, she continued posting upbeat content, including a recent appearance modelling at Miami Swim Week. Her story resonated because it combined personal hardship with public advocacy and a message about making the most of life.