The family of 22-year-old YouTube lifestyle creator Annabelle Ham has confirmed her death on July 15 after what they identified as an "epileptic event."
"We're writing this with heavy, heavy hearts," the Ham family posted on her Instagram account. "She struggled with this for a long time and wanted to raise awareness for it, which we will do in honor of her."
How and Why Did She Die?
Ham was allegedly reported missing after attending a bachelorette party hundreds of miles away from her Atlanta home. Her oldest sister Alexandria said she had last seen Annabelle walking along a pier and was worried she might have fallen over the water.
It was later announced the influencer died after suffering from an epileptic seizure, shortly after being reported to authorities in Fairhope, Alabama.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by repeated seizures. A seizure, on the other hand, is usually defined as a sudden alteration of behavior due to a temporary change in the electrical functioning of the brain. Normally, the brain continuously generates tiny electrical impulses in an orderly pattern.
There are a lot of variations of seizures that specialists frequently classify as seizure types. Typically, seizures belong to one of two basic categories: Primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. The difference between these types of seizures is in how they begin.
As for Ham's case, however, the official cause of her death had not been made public yet as investigations about it continue. The Ham family also urged Annabelle's followers to await official reports from authorities and not spread rumors.
Family and Fans Heartbroken
Ham's sisters Amelia and Alexandria also shared they were heartbroken for losing a much-beloved sister.
Amelia described Annabelle as someone who was "always happy and lighted up every room" and always wanted to live life to the fullest. "You would never think something like this would or could happen to you until it does," she added.
Alexandria echoed the sentiment, calling her sister a "spark-plug" who "loved others" as much as her followers "loved her and loved being around her."
Prior to her death, the Georgia native was also studying at Kennesaw State University. Her sorority Alpha Omicron Pi also offered their condolences to the Ham family in a statement on Instagram.
"On Saturday, July 15 we lost a big piece of our hearts," the Greek organization stated. "She had an amazing impact on each and every sister in [the] Beta Zeta [chapter of the sorority]. She was caring, selfless, and carried so much love inside of her heart... To know her is to love her. She lived every day to the fullest."
Meanwhile, in the final video she uploaded on YouTube dated June 26, many in the comments section were shocked by her untimely death.
"Never seen her channel before, but I know 22 is way too young to go," wrote one user. "No parent should ever have to lose a child."
Ham began uploading YouTube videos in 2015 as a personal channel, and eventually evolved to lifestyle content.
