TikTok Star John Kelly Dies At The Age Of 45, Son Tex Says His Father's Passing Was A 'Surprise'
TikTok star John Kelly has died at the age of 45.
The social media personality was known for being in light-hearted prank videos with his son Tex Keith after joining the platform in December 2020 under the username @TexandJohn.
"Hey Dad," Tex would usually begin the videos and then say something outrageous to his father and record his reaction. The account quickly garnered 2.7 million followers.
John's cause of death was not revealed.
"You’ll always be my hero dad, I love and miss you so much❤️. I know you’re in a better place now, looking over us all," Tex captioned a tribute on Instagram. "You were an amazing father, son, brother and friend to many."
"I remember meeting you with my mom when I was four years old and I asked 'are you my dad?' You didn’t know what to say but soon enough you became that man in mine and my brother’s lives. I remember the first time I called you dad, I was so scared, your face was so shocked and happy," the influencer continued.
Tex went on to say that John always worked hard so his family could have a good life.
"I’m proud to say that I’m John Kelly’s son," he wrote. "I’m so proud of the dad you were and the relationship we had, it was something so astonishingly beautiful and special. There was never a conversation that didn’t end with 'I love you boy.' I’m so grateful for the life and love you’ve given us. I’m so grateful for the love you’ve given mom and for bringing us into a family that loves us."
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"I’ll never give up knowing I’ve got you in my corner. I love you dad, I’ll see you in eternity❤️," the post concluded.
Fans reached out in the comments to offer their support to Tex and his family.
"What a beautiful post. So sorry for your loss. He’s a lucky man to have you as a son. You were lucky to have him too. 🙏," comedian Chris Delia wrote.
"bro... I dont even know you or your family, I just watched your videos for some time now. and hearing this news is devastating.. so sorry for your loss," one fan commented.
"Heartbroken for you Tex. You have so much support and so many people that loved him. I cant stop thinking about you. I love you," another wrote.
Tex also set up a GoFundMe to cover hospital bills and expenses. The fundraiser has raised more than $29,000 of it's $30,000 goal so far.
Tex explained on GoFundMe that his father's passing was a "surprise" and "something that we will be feeling the toll of for a very long time."
After announcing the sad news, Tex released a new TikTok video montage of the father and son's sweetest moments with "My Old Man" by the Zac Brown Band playing in the background.
