Sydney Towle’s family have revealed the 26-year-old influencer has passed away after entering hospice care.
Her death comes after a three-year-long battle with a rare bile duct cancer.
Her brother, Austin Towle, and mother, Elizabeth Marrow, reflected on her strength throughout her health journey in a recent TikTok video.
“Hi everybody, we just wanted to let you know that Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three-year-long battle with cholangiocarcinoma,” Austin shared to Towle’s followers alongside his mom.
“She fought really hard, and we’re so proud of her.
“We thank all of you for your support over the years.”
Marrow also shared insight into the legacy her daughter — who documented treatments she underwent throughout her cancer journey on TikTok — leaves behind.
“We love you and thank you for all of your kind messages of support and love,” she added. “We really appreciate it and she will not be forgotten.”
This comes after her brother shared the heartbreaking news that she entered hospice care, alongside a photo of family and close friends gathered at her bedside, expressing immense gratitude to the online community that supported her every step of the way.
“Sydney has been moved to hospice and is surrounded by her friends and family,” Austin explained on TikTok on Tuesday, August 4, over a photo of his family standing beside a hospital bed.
“Thank you for all your love and support.”
He added in the caption, “Thank you all so much. Your love and support does not go unnoticed.”
A diagnosis that changed everything
Towle, based in New York, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma — an aggressive form of bile duct cancer — in early 2022 when she was just 23 years old.
The rare disease is typically found in older adults, making her diagnosis exceptionally rare for a young adult.
Refusing to shrink away from the diagnosis, Towle launched her TikTok channel to openly share the reality of living with terminal illness.
Over three years, her raw, vulnerable, and inspiring videos gained her more than 1.1 million followers.
She documented everything from gruelling chemotherapy sessions and hospital stays to quiet walks around New York City and deep reflections on mortality, building a tight-knit community of supporters worldwide.
Defying expectations at Miami Swim Week
Throughout her diagnosis, Towle continually sought new pathways, second opinions, and clinical trials — including preparing for tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy when her cancer spread to her lungs and stomach.
Her determination allowed her to achieve remarkable personal milestones, none bigger than her dream appearance at Miami Swim Week.
After an earlier doctor had advised her to begin end-of-life care, Towle sought a second opinion and worked with specialists who helped her manage her condition enough to travel.
She took to the runway in Miami wearing adaptive designs tailored for post-cancer bodies and surgical scars — a moment she described as one of the proudest and most empowering experiences of her life.
“People always ask why I’m so positive … why would I not envision the best-case scenario?” Towle reflected in a viral TikTok clip.
“Miracles happen every day. Nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen.”
Outpouring of love
As news of her death spread, thousands of emotional tributes flooded her comment sections, with followers and fellow influencers sharing how her strength has inspired them.
“Sweet angel. Fly high. Praying for all who loved her. She is really something special,” one follower wrote.
“That 26 year old sweet girl made more of an impact on the world than most people will do in their lifetime. I will never ever forget her.,” another fan commented.
“I’ve never felt so deeply heartbroken for a loss of someone I’ve never met, what a beautiful soul syd was. It’s been an honour following your journey,” a third person commented with a love heart emoji.
“Oh Syd. I’m glad you aren’t hurting anymore. You’ve changed my outlook on life. I’ll always be happy to be here, and think of you often,” a fourth shared.
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