YouTube star Luke Goodwin dead at 35 after battle with rare cancer
YouTuber Luke Goodwin has died after a battle with cancer.
The British influencer, best known for his YouTube channel, “I Will Not Be Defeated,” passed away at age 35.
His wife, Beckey, revealed his death on Aug. 6 in a YouTube video titled “Little update on our warrior.”
“This is a video that I never wanted to do,” Beckey began. “He passed away peacefully, he was at home, he had me and his mum and his dad all by his side. Luke is at peace now, he’s not in any pain. All of his followers, you have all been absolutely amazing, you all kept his head strong.”
Giving a nod to her other half, she noted that Luke was “an amazing person.”
“He showed me how to be strong even when you are going through the toughest times, he was just amazing, an amazing dad, son and husband,” Beckey continued. “It’s still rather raw at the minute, but you’ve got to keep your head strong. That’s what Luke would say.”
In August 2022, Luke was diagnosed with Stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that begins in smooth muscle tissue, per the Mayo Clinic.
Despite the disease being treatable if found early enough, the Grimsby, England, native was told that his cancer was terminal and he only had a year to live.
Luke exceeded that diagnosis after undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
After going public with his battle, Luke raised money and awareness for others with Leiomyosarcoma. The fallen star also organized charity events and updated followers on his treatment journey.
On July 18, Luke took to YouTube to share how his condition was progressing in what would be his final post on the platform.
The social media personality told followers that his condition had worsened and he had been struggling for the past 13 days.
He titled the moving 7-minute video, “End of life. Feel like death is on me…”
“It’s really been f – – king hard… never felt anything like it,” Luke said. “I’ve been out of breath, sick, phlegm, you name it. But I am on the mend, I will not be defeated.”
Fans flocked to the comments section to express their condolences.
“I just saw today that luke has passed away. Sending prayers for comfort for your family. Luke you helped so many by sharing your journey. You are loved and you will be missed,” one user wrote.
Another chimed in, “Luke was the strongest of the strong. A lovely person and inspiration to many. He’s still only a whisper away. Safe happy and pain free until he’s with his family again. You made ‘Your People’ very proud Luke.”
Rounding out the touching remarks, one fan shared, “Heartfelt condolences to all the family. I’ve watched over the past couple of months. Luke’s determination in face of something so terrible has been completely admirable. Well done Luke, fly high.”
Luke is survived by his parents, his wife and their two children: Taylor, 5, and Scarlett, 3.
