TikTok star Sydney Towle dead at 26 following rare cancer battle

TikTok star Sydney Towle has died three years after she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. She was 26.

The tragic news was announced on Towle’s social media accounts Thursday alongside an image of the influencer posing on a mountain peak with the words: “Rest in Peace Sydney Elizabeth Towle. An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, a sister and friend to so many.”

The post was captioned: “We will always love you so much Sydney. I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you.”

Sydney’s older brother, Austin Towle, shared the same post to his TikTok account, along with the caption: “I will always love you so so much. The best sister ever.”

Several fans sent their condolences to the family and shared positive messages about the late Dartmouth graduate.

“I am so sorry for your loss! Enjoy the other side Sydney, you are completely free and healthy now!” wrote one user.

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Syd we loved you. You never stopped swimming. Now it’s time for you to fly! You will be so missed. I’m sending so much love and strength to your family. How lucky we all are to have found you on the internet. Thank you for sharing yourself and your story. 💜🥹🙏🏻💪🏼,” added another.

“💔 you were such an inspiration to my mom and me. The most beautiful on the inside and out. I am so sorry. Sending prayers to your friends and family,” commented a third person.

Sydney’s passing comes days after Austin announced on TikTok that his sister had entered hospice care.

In the photo, Austin posed alongside friends and family near Sydney’s hospital bed.

The internet personality — who had over 1.1 million followers on TikTok — was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2023.

According to Mayo Clinic, cholangiocarcinoma is a rare bile duct cancer that forms in the slender tubes (bile ducts) that carry the digestive fluid bile. Bile ducts connect your liver to your gallbladder and to your small intestine.

Cholangiocarcinoma occurs mostly in people older than age 50, though it can occur at any age.

Sydney documented her life living with the disease, which included multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and clinical trials.

She also shared her journey to become a model, which she has wanted to do since she was a little girl.

In June, Sydney walked the runway for Post Swim and The Chemo Club show during Miami Swim Week.

“Another dream come true,” she captioned an Instagram post of the moment.