The comedian, who had 2.1 million followers and was known to millions as Steve Bridges, was a father of three and lived in Peoria, Illinois. In her emotional address, his wife Chelsey said, “Who you saw online was just the characters that he created. He was so talented because he was the opposite of all of them in real life. He was the most attentive father and the best husband. The sweetest, kindest man.”
She also thanked his audience for allowing him to live his dream of making people laugh. “Please, never take life for granted. Try to live your dreams every day. Love your family and take care of yourself,” she added.
The deceased’s close friend, filmmaker Eric Mathis, said in a statement that Bridges was an “incredible talent, beloved by millions of fans,” a kind and genuine person who was “infectious in his many amazing traits.” Preliminary information from the Peoria Police Department suggests the cause of death was natural causes. Reports indicate a family history of premature death; his grandmother passed away in her sleep at 52, and his father and grandfather both died in their forties. Steve Bridges is survived by his 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old twin sons.