Lil Peep dead aged 21 – Rapper and YouTube star dies hours after haunting Instagram post as his ex Bella Thorne leads tributes
RAPPER and YouTube star Lil Peep has died at the age of 21 just hours after sharing a haunting Instagram post, which read: "When I die, you'll love me".
The New York-based hip hop artist, whose real name is Gustav Åhr, had released his debut album, Come Over When You're Sober, in August this year to great acclaim.
His ex-lover Bella Thorne appeared heartbroken as she posted an emotional Instagram story as she grieved over his sudden death.
The Famous In Love star was seen lying in her bed weeping as she spoke briefly about the memory of the rapper, who is rumoured to have died from a drug overdose.
Talking to the camera, a clearly emotional Bella said: “I just wanted to say anybody out there who’s a Lil Peep fan, you guys know how talented he was, you guys know how great he was. Well he was even more f***ing great as a person.”
She added on Twitter: "Peep you deserved more out of life. Life didn't do your greatness justice."
Lil Peep grew up in Long Beach, New York. While at Long Beach High School he dropped out and was schooled at home by his mum, a single parent, who was a teacher.
But music was his passion. While in his late teens he developed his act fusing alternative rock with rap, soon winning a legion of fans.
This was also partly thanks to his lyrics, which candidly chronicled his battle with depression, heartbreak, drug use and his sexuality.
In August, he announced that he was bisexual, writing on Twitter: “Yes I’m bisexual. Who wants a kiss.”
Sarah Stennett, from his label First Access Entertainment, said: “I am shocked and heartbroken.
“I do not believe Peep wanted to die, this is so tragic.
“He had big goals and dreams for the future which he had shared with me, his team, his family and his friends.
“He has highly intelligent, hugely creative, massively charismatic, gentle and charming.
“He had huge ambition and [his] career was flourishing.
“I have spoken to his mother and she asked me to convey that she is very, very proud of him and everything he was able to achieve in his short life.
“She is truly grateful to the fans and the people who have supported and loved him.”
However, chilling Instagram posts reveal the tormented star was fighting his demons in his final hours.
Lil Peep shared a video of himself smoking with a caption saying: "I'm getting so tired of this."
"I just wana [sic] be everybody's everything I want too much from people," he said.
He passed away hours after sharing a chilling Instagram post, saying: "When I die you’ll love me."
"But then I don't want anything from them at the same time u feel me I don't let people help me but I need help but not when I have my pills but that's temporary.
"One day maybe I won't die young and I'll be happy? What is happy I always have happiness for like 10 seconds and then it's gone. I'm getting so tired of this."
The news of his death was announced on social media by his manager Chase Oretega.
"I've been expecting this call for a year. Mother f***", Chase tweeted.
The cause of his death is unknown, though unverified reports claim Lil Peep overdosed on drugs.
The troubled musician is understood to have died the night before the end of his US tour.
Since news of the star's death broke, hundreds of fans and fellow musicians have come forward with their own tributes in memory of the young, rising star.
Fellow rock-influenced rapper Post Malone wrote: “In the short time that i knew you, you were a great friend to me and a great person. your music changed the world and it’ll never be the same. i love you bud. forever.”
Rapper Marshmello shared: "I cant even believe this.
"We were just talking last week about working on a song together and now you’re gone. You will be missed, R.I.P. @Lilpeep".
He later added: "Peep was the nicest person. hanging out with him, talking to him about music, the song ideas we were going to do together and touring was so amazing. Everyone will miss you man @Lilpeep".
Lil Peep's new album featured tracks including Awful Things, Benz Truck and The Brightside.
He had been all set to perform at a concert in Tucson, Arizona last night as part of his nationwide tour.
During his short-lived career, Peep was also a model and walked in Paris Fashion Week in June for Vlone Menswear.