Influencer Sydney Towle dies at 26 after documenting cancer battle

American content creator Sydney Towle has died at the age of 26, following a three-year struggle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer affecting the bile ducts. Her family announced her passing on August 5, sharing a poignant message on Instagram.

"We will always love you very much. We are very proud of how much you fought," her family wrote alongside a photograph. Days prior, her brother Austin Towle shared on TikTok that Sydney had moved to a palliative care center, where she remained peaceful until her death.

Towle, who was born in Massachusetts in November 1999 and grew up in Florida, amassed a significant online following. She had over 200,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1 million on TikTok. On these platforms, she documented her experience with cancer with notable optimism after being diagnosed three years ago following abdominal pain.

Beyond her medical journey, Towle shared her daily routines, hobbies, and outings with friends, fostering an online community. In 2023, she was diagnosed with the disease after experiencing a large lump and burning sensation in her abdomen. She openly shared her treatment process, including chemotherapy, surgeries, and clinical study results.

In May, Towle revealed to People magazine that the tumor had spread to her peritoneum, leading her doctor to recommend palliative care. Despite the grim prognosis, she later participated in Miami Swim Week, walking in a swimwear collection designed by cancer survivors. In a podcast interview in November 2025, she shared what would be one of her final messages before her passing.

“

Always te amaremos mucho. Estamos muy orgullosos de lo mucho que luchaste.