TikTok Star Sydney Towle, 26, Dies After Battle With Rare Cancer

Sydney Towle, whose vibrant videos charmed more than a million TikTok users and 200,000 Instagram followers, died on Thursday after a protracted struggle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile‑duct cancer that had spread to the peritoneal lining.

Her brother Austin posted a heartfelt video on TikTok, wishing her family peace as the 26‑year‑old “went peacefully last night” following an almost three‑year fight. Prior to her death, Sydney had moved to hospice care earlier in the week, as her family announced the loss via social media.

Since the diagnosis, Sydney shared her entire journey—chemo sessions, hospital visits, and everyday joys—on all platforms. Her candidness sparked a broader conversation on rare cancers and the importance of self‑advocacy, praised by her family: “We are so proud of how hard Sydney fought and for sharing her journey with so many people.”

In May, Sydney posted a video describing how her oncologist would no longer treat her cancer and advised her to begin end‑of‑life care. Instead, she refused, switching specialists and fighting on. She maintained an upbeat tone, posting dances, fashion shoots, and her recent reality of wearing a hepatic artery pump, showcasing resilience amid illness.

Sydney recently fulfilled a longstanding dream by walking in a swimsuit during The Chemo Club x Post Swim show at Miami Swim Week, earning praise from friends who fundraised for cancer research.

Following the announcement, thousands of online fans flooded her accounts with tributes and condolence messages, highlighting the profound influence she had on her community. Her family promised to uphold her legacy and honor her as a beacon for those battling rare illnesses.

Screenshot of Sydney in hospital bed: