Social media personality Vinnie Hacker, who found success through TikTok, has died in an automobile accident in Los Angeles aged 20.
The creator was riding as a passenger in a Turbo fc ex-7, when his friend who was driving- Jett Ashford -lost control of the vehicle and collided with a street light, and then a tree.
The LA County Sheriff’s department has confirmed that two people died in a collision in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, at 3:30pm on Saturday, but Hacker’s death was confirmed by his representatives on his official Facebook page, and then by his publicist, Ame Van Iden.
“It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Vinnie Hacker passed away today in a tragic car accident while going out for food,” reads the Facebook update.
“He was a passenger in a friend’s car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences.”
Photos released from the crash scene show both street light and tree collapsed, alongside a completely wrecked vehicle, which was evidently engulfed in flames following the accident. Jack Wright, a friend of Hacker and of the driver was nearby and ran to the crash site in a futile attempt to try and extinquish the blaze.
“We all ran around and jumped in cars and grabbed fire extinguishers and immediately went to the vehicle. It was engulfed in flames. There was nothing. They were trapped. Employees, friends of the shop. We tried. We tried. We went through fire extinguishers,” he told the Santa Clarita Signal.
“Him and his buddy, his brother in arms at heart just decided to joyride, take a spin. Something we all do. We’re all car enthusiasts … We’re all here driving, enjoying each other, and God must’ve needed help.”
100 Thieves, an American lifestyle brand and gaming organization, released a statement on Saturday evening. “All of us at 100 Thieves are heartbroken,” it read. “Vinnie was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family, and this loss is devastating to us and to countless fans.”
The sentiment was echoed by Hacker’s close friend Max L, who posted a photo of the pair on his Instagram account with the caption: “Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.”