Manuel Otto, a video game designer and influencer, has died after reportedly setting himself on fire during a livestream.
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Otto was only 14 when he created the massively popular multiplayer game Stick Run.The game's X account acknowledged reports of the beloved influencer's death earlier this week.
"Stick Run is aware of a livestream on Twitch involving its creator and owner, Manuel Otto, in which he appeared to have taken his own life. We understand that Twitch has since removed the livestream and associated video," Stick Run wrote in the Oct. 19 post, according to The New York Post.
"We encourage the community to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation," the company added.
German outlet PNP reports that Otto's body was discovered after a fire at the influencer's property in Bavaria, southeast Germany. Reportedly, a neighbor spotted the fire and tried to put the blaze out.
Stick Run later returned to social media to confirm Otto's death.
"It is with a heavy heart that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer, and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto," wrote on X on Oct. 20, per The New York Post.
Livestream Service Rushed to Take Down Footage of Influencer Setting Himself on Fire
Meanwhile, Twitch released a statement about the influencer seemingly dying by suicide on a livestream via its platform.
"What took place is horrible, and the mental health and well-being of our community matters deeply to us," a spokesperson for Twitch told The Post. "We encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek support, and we offer tools on Twitch to help people connect with local mental health resources in their area."
Twitch took down the footage, along with the influencer's channel, shortly following the incident.
"We moved quickly to remove the channel and Video on Demand to prevent it from being viewed by others," the spokesperson added.
Dexerto reports that Otto debuted Stick Run on Facebook back in 2010. To date, 43 million people have reportedly played the free-to-play game.
Manuel Otto was 30 years old.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available.
