Minecraft sensation Technoblade dies of cancer at 23, says goodbye in final YouTube video

The popular Minecraft YouTuber who goes by the name Technoblade has died at age 23.

His father read a goodbye statement from Technoblade, who was known only as Alex, in a video posted Thursday on his YouTube channel, which has 11.4 million subscribers.

"If I had another one hundred lives, I think I would choose to be Technoblade again every single time, because those were the happiest years of my life," said the note, as read by his father in the video titled "so long nerds."

"I hope you guys enjoyed my content and that I made some of you laugh. And I hope you all go on to live long prosperous and happy lives. Because I love you guys. Technoblade out."

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Technoblade typed the note on his father's laptop about eight hours before his death, his father said. "He was the most amazing kid anyone could ever ask for," said his father, who did not give his name and held a small poodle on his lap during the video. "I miss Technoblade. Thank you to all of you for everything. You meant a lot to him."

In a statement from the family, signed "Techno's mom," at the end of the video, his mother said, "He avoided personal fame and worked hard to keep his true identity confidential, and I ask you to continue to honor his wishes to protect his privacy and the privacy of his family."

Despite his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, she said, her son "didn't complain, and kept using his famous strategic mind to try to beat what he knew were almost impossible odds. My son's bravery on this path was a shining lesson to all of us who were privileged to walk with him."

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The Technoblade merchandise store – including T-shirts that say "So long, nerds, Alexander 'Technoblade' 1999-2022" – will continue to be operated by his family, and proceeds will go to the Sarcoma Foundation of America.

The organization's CEO, Brandi Felser, told CNN that later this year the foundation will give Technoblade its Courage Award, given annually to those who strive "to create hope and a better life for the sarcoma community."

"Technoblade rallied his supporters to raise over $500,000 to date to support sarcoma research," she told CNN. "This allowed SFA to provide research grants in Technoblade's name. Through these efforts, he leaves a legacy that will impact generations."

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Minecraft lovers and YouTubers posted tributes to Technoblade as news of his death spread. The official Minecraft account on Twitter said: "We have been trying to find the words, but all of us here at Minecraft are heartbroken over the loss of Technoblade. He meant so much to our community and brought so much joy. He will be missed dearly."

YouTube content creator BadBoyHalo posted on Twitter, "The lives you've touched and the impact you've had on them will last forever."

Author John Green ("Turtles All the Way Down") recalled on Twitter how he and his son often watched the "talented and hilarious 23-year-old ... My thoughts are with Alex's family and friends and fans."

An artist who goes by Hont on Twitter was one of many who posted elaborate appreciation fan art in tribute to Technoblade. "His legacy will live on," the post read.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Technoblade dead: Minecraft YouTuber says bye in 'so long nerds' video