French influencer Young Melvyn, known online as 4melvn, has died after a car accident. He was 22.
French newspaper Le Parisien reported that Melvyn was driving on a highway system that connects Paris to Lyon, known as the A6b motorway, when he lost control of his car. He then reportedly crashed into the median around 1 a.m. local time.
Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene on Monday, February 23, after he was removed from the vehicle, according to the outlet.
The Essonne Fire and Rescue Service told the outlet that all lanes of the highway were closed while firefighters were sent to the scene of the accident. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the official cause of death.
Melvyn, who had more than 670,000 followers on TikTok, posted comedy and lifestyle content. After his death, Melvyn’s family created an online fundraiser which has generated about $3,000.
“We have lost a dear friend, Melvyn, and wish to pay him a dignified final tribute,” the description reads. “To help cover the costs of his funeral, we have launched this fundraising campaign. Every contribution, however small, will help his family and loved ones through this difficult time. Thank you for your support and generosity.”
Melvyn’s loved ones have since penned messages in honor of him in the comments section of the fundraiser.
“Today my heart is heavy…💔,” an anonymous user wrote in a message translated to English. “My childhood friend, Melvyn, has left us, and I have no words to express my sorrow. We grew up together, shared laughter, memories, moments that will be etched in my heart forever. He was a part of my childhood. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, his mother, and his loved ones. I send you all my support and strength during this incredibly difficult time. Melvyn will forever remain in my heart. Rest in peace, little angel 🤍🕊️ .”
Content creator and friend Dayzi also paid tribute to Melvyn on his personal social media account.
“I think it’s really shaken us all a bit in our group of friends, because he was a kind, honest person,” the creator said in an emotional video, translated by People. “Personally, I’m still having a really hard time processing it because we were supposed to see each other during the holidays.”
Another creator, who goes by Dark_sensei online, mourned Melvyn. “He was the one I talked to most often, outside and all that, and I have to take it with me that he’s dead,” the influencer said, per People. “It really, really hurts.”
Melvyn’s final post was shared on Saturday, February 21, two days before his death. In the clip, Melvyn joked about getting called on in class by a teacher.
“When the teacher is taking attendance and when she gets to my name she says ‘already seen,’ aka the star of the class,” text over his TikTok video read, translated to English via ChatGPT.
Users have since taken to the comments section of Melvyn’s post to honor him.
“Rest in peace, my brother ❤️,” one user wrote, while another added, “So you’re telling me this is his LAST video 💔.” A third said, “I will never forget you…”
