TikTok Star Cooper Noriega Dead at 19: 'Life is Fragile'
TikTok star Cooper Noriega has died. He was 19.
Noriega was pronounced dead at the scene in a Burbank parking lot on Thursday, a Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner spokesperson tells PEOPLE.
His cause of death has been deferred, which "means that after an autopsy, a cause of death has not been determined and the medical examiner is requesting more investigation."
"Once the tests/studies come back, the doctor evaluates the case again and makes the cause of death determination," the spokesperson added.
Cooper Noriega/Instagram Cooper Noriega
Barstool Sports' BFFs podcast was the first to share the news on social media, posting a black-and-white photo of Noriega, who appeared on their BFFs podcast on June 1.
"RIP Cooper Noriega," the tweet read. "Life is fragile. Enjoy every minute."
Shortly before his death, Noriega posted a video on TikTok, where he has over 1.7 million followers, with the caption, "Who else b thinking they gon die young af."
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Four days earlier, Noriega announced on social media that he was creating a Discord server dedicated to discussing mental health, which he invited his followers to join.
"If you're really into getting your emotions out, or whatever, come join," he said in a TikTok video. "I created [the server] because of how much I love you guys and how much I struggle with it myself."
"I would like to use the influence I've been given to create a space built on spreading awareness and normalizing talking about mental illness," he wrote in a separate post on Instagram. "One of the many things I've learnt while struggling with addiction was that surrounding yourself with negative people will only bring you down."
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Noriega was remembered by loved ones for his "big heart" and how much he cared for those around him.
"You're the best thing that ever happened to me," ex-girlfriend Sabrina Quesada wrote in one social media tribute. "i'm so sorry my love. may we meet again."
In another tribute, friend Anthony Reeves wrote, "I'm gonna miss you man! I'm gonna miss your big heart and how you cared for everyone so much. Always checking in. Seeing if everyone is doing okay."
His friends and followers also mourned his death in the comments section of the last video he posted on TikTok.
"Rest easy coop," wrote Luca Schaefer-Charlton, as Kory Little added, "Man, wish we could be hopping on fort talking smack to each other again… you will be missed coop."
This article previously included information from a GoFundMe page set up in Noriega's name that was not accurate. That information has been deleted.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
