What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned out to be a day of mourning after the online community learned the news of YouTube star Nicole Thea’s death at age 24.
Thea, who has nearly 77,000 subscribers on YouTube, was based in the U.K. and known for sharing many aspects of her life including her travels, beauty regimen, and relationship with fellow YouTuber, Global Boga.
Two months ago, Nicole released a video revealing that she and Boga were expecting a baby. The two were planning to have a son, which they named Reign, and had been using their channel to share the progress of Nicole’s first pregnancy.
Unfortunately, as Nicole was expected to give birth on Saturday morning, something went wrong. In an Instagram statement from Nicole’s family, it was revealed that both mother and son did not make it. She was 8 months pregnant.
Nicole had already pre-scheduled videos to go out and, according to her mother, Boga has made the decision to allow them to be aired. The most recent video, which went out after Nicole’s untimely passing, was a behind-the-scenes video of Nicole’s maternity shoot.
Nicole’s loved ones took to social media to share memories with the mother-to-be.
R.I.P to my sister Nicole and Baby Reign. I will forever love you. My heart is soo broken I can’t even cope 💔 pic.twitter.com/QEJlmsEkoW
— Nella Rose (@nellarose) July 12, 2020
Many fans offered heartfelt sympathy to Boga and Nicole’s family.
completely drenched in tears, rest in perfect peace nicole and baby reign 💔 pic.twitter.com/AIYESRbkPn
— BR ☆ (@breerunway) July 12, 2020
life is so short omg💔 pic.twitter.com/xg7MtFFXMa
— karlae (@leekarlae) July 12, 2020
You didn’t even need to know Nicole personally to see how excited her and Boga were to be parents. You could just tell they were soul mates. Such sad news man. RIP Nicole Thea and baby Reign 🙏🏾🤍
— ADEOLA PATRONNE. (@AdeolaPatronne) July 12, 2020
We lost a Queen and a child with a potential great future.
There is a man whose metal and emotional state is going to need help. Please pray for him and help if and where you can.
R.I.P Nicole Thea & Reign ❤️
— ATS Craft. (@iKhristenCraft) July 12, 2020
Rest in heavenly peace Nicole Thea 🙏🏽 💡 pic.twitter.com/WeTikqqwnd
— Abena🦎 (@_axbena) July 12, 2020
Others used the moment to point out the ugly facts about the healthcare industry and how much higher the maternal mortality rate is for Black women in both the U.S. and the U.K.
We need to start a dialogue because this is painfully disgusting reality, rest easy Nicole Thea and baby reign 😞🕊#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/dRjRWoJSUO
— Kazi (@Kaazi_Mti) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/ANSTYLEdotCOM/status/1282420019725508608
Our condolences are with Nicole and Boga’s families, loved ones, and the YouTube community.