Byron Bernstein, a beloved member of the online gaming community, has died at 31.
The Austin, Texas-based gamer was known as Reckful on the streaming platform Twitch, where he was one of the highest-ranking “World of Warcraft” players and had more than 936,000 followers. Most recently, he was creating a new game called “Everland.” His ex-girlfriend, known as Blue, confirmed his death, reportedly by suicide, on Thursday.
“Byron was a hero to me,” said spokesperson Justin Warden, CEO of influencer agency Ader. “Byron always gave people a shot. He acted as if every interaction with another human being was a moment of rare joy to be treasured. He spent his life bringing joy to others as he fought to find it in himself, and I hope than in learning of his passing, people learn of his impact. In his passing, he brings us together. He will never be forgotten.”
His Twitter feed early Thursday included troubling messages that his fans responded to with concern.
In January, he shared in a video that he lost his brother to suicide when he was 6 years old and had long struggled with his mental health. However, he said he was improving, and that working on his new game had given him “a sense of purpose.”
“I am actually day-to-day happy,” he said in the video. “I’ve never felt this way in my life. I’m not saying it’s gonna last forever, but right now I’m happy.”
Fans shared their remembrances of the internet personality on Thursday afternoon, including entertainer and fellow Twitch user Andy Milonakis, who sometimes appeared in his videos. Many recalled moments when he was open about his struggles and encouraged others in pain to get help.
Byron Bernstein, also known as Reckful
a hopeful kid in the esports world who was ruined by his mental state
a man who wanted to make a social space for everyone, bring a community together, and overall enjoy his life with his audience
a streamer of his own kind
rest in peace pic.twitter.com/5R5eQIHquE
— // Kappas // (@RealKappas) July 2, 2020
Just heard of Byron “Reckful” Bernstein’s passing, world just got darker without him, if anyone reads this and you’re suffering from any form of mental health issues, please reach out to me or anyone, you’re not alone and there’s people who care. it’s ok to not be ok ❤️
— 🏴☠️Nate🏴☠️ (@scorchbeast92) July 2, 2020
Genuinely speechless & sick to my stomach. I can't even put the words together to emphasise just how much of an impact your stream had on me in a time when I needed it most.
Rest in peace, Byron 'Reckful' Bernstein.
— Blane (@darblane) July 2, 2020
Heartbroken. Still in shock, I've dreaded that this day could possibly come. RIP Byron, I love you
— Andy Milonakis (@andymilonakis) July 2, 2020
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
