“Bucket List” TikTok Star Passes Away At 18 After Aggressive Battle With Cancer
A teen TikTok star who’d been documenting his bucket list adventures passed away at the age of 18.
Harrison Trevor Gilks started documenting his journey on TikTok @harrisongilks1 after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer as a teen.
Unfortunately, he lost the battle to cancer on March 30, 2023. According to his obituary, Harrison passed away peacefully at the hospital with his mom, dad, and brother holding his hands and by his side.
“After nearly two and a half years of a hard-fought battle, knowing he did as much as he could, knowing he was loved and strong, he said goodbye,” the obituary read.
According to CBC News, Gilks was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma back in November 2020.
The American Cancer Society notes that rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare form of aggressive cancer that typically affects children. Older teens and adults who develop the cancer typically have less positive outcomes than those who are diagnosed before 10 years of age.
Since his diagnosis, Gilks took to TikTok to share about his last, bucket list adventures. He traveled to different parts of the world and even enjoyed a trip to Mexico with his family before the cancer took over.
On March 21, just days before his passing, Gilks uploaded his last video on TikTok, explaining that the doctor found his cancer had spread to his liver and lungs, which filled with fluid because of the tumors. They told him he didn’t have much time left and the chances of leaving the hospital were slim.
In the video, Gilks talked about his recent trip to Mexico and how much he appreciates the support from his social media fans. “It’s been a great ride,” he said.
@harrisongilks1 #fuckcancer ♬ original sound – Harrison
His obituary read: “Harrison was an inspiration to many. His smile could light up a room, his laugh could cheer anyone up. He was our sunshine on a cloudy day. He always found good in every situation and touched the lives of many with his messages of hope and encouragement through his TikTok videos, where he chronicled and shared his journey with cancer with the world.”
It went on to say that while cancer took his ability to do things he loved like “play hockey, softball, jet skiing and tubing, rugby, skiing, mountain biking or dirt biking, he managed to get some time in the woods with his dad to go hunting this fall, then he turned his attention to travel, while he was still able.”
@harrisongilks1 Tag @lukecombs ♬ original sound – Harrison
@harrisongilks1 Dope video of last weeks festivities Hopefully more like this to come! @MQ PRODUCTIONS #harrisongilks ♬ original sound – Harrison
His videos inspired people around the world, and he’ll be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Harrison.
