Fans of popular VTuber ‘Illy’ are paying their respects after news of the streamer’s death surfaced online from friend and fellow broadcaster ‘Drumsy.’
Illy was a well-known Scottish VTuber who was transparent about her struggles with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that progressively fills the lungs and other organs with mucus, causing breathing problems, infections, and issues absorbing nutrients from food.
In August 2025, Illy created a fundraiser for her ‘bucket list,’ which included activities like seeing a Vocaloid concert, going to conventions and theme parks, and “throwing a big party” with her friends and family.
VTuber Illy dies after cystic fibrosis struggle at 23 years old
On January 1, 2026, fellow content creator Drumsy revealed the news that Illy had died as a result of her cystic fibrosis at 23 years old, saying that she experienced unexpected health complications during the week of Christmas 2025.
“She was rushed to the hospital,” Drumsy said in a YouTube video explaining the situation. “I got a call from her mom letting me know that the doctors said there was nothing else they could do. They kept her medicated and made sure that she wasn’t in pain. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.”
Drumsy went on to reveal that any proceeds from the ‘Illy Racing’ shirt in his merchandise store would go to the Butterfly Trust, a charity that supports sufferers of cystic fibrosis to improve their quality of life and educate the general populace about the condition.
Illy had wanted to hold a fundraiser for the Butterfly Trust prior to her death as part of her bucket list, with Drumsy revealing that the organization had paid for her medical treatments.
Drumsy is also selling a framed poster of Illy’s VTuber avatar in his store. The proceeds from this poster will go to her mother, who’d been her daughter’s caretaker throughout her life.
Fans were left heartbroken at the news, sharing their support for Illy’s friends and family and reminiscing on their favorite moments from her broadcasts.
“This was way too soon,” one wrote on YouTube. “I’m sorry, Drumsy. We lost a real one. I hope she’s happy.”
“Illy was by far my favourite because of her personality and doing the dumbest stuff possible with the biggest smile on her face,” another said on X. “Thank you so much, Illy, for being yourself and just doing what you liked and loved.”
To end his video, Drumsy shared an audio recording from Illy during one of their last collaborations together, where she thanked her fans and supporters for rallying around her.
“As dark as things get, and that scary truth that’s looming over me, I can leave something behind thanks to you guys. To the viewers, the producers, the editors, Drumsy… thank you forever.”
