Swavy: TikTok star dead in senseless shooting, family say

  • Published
Screengrab of TikTok videoImage source, TikTok/@babyface.s
Image caption,

Swavy had a big social media presence, including 2.7 million TikTok followers

TikTok star Swavy has died in "a senseless act of gun violence", his family has confirmed.

The 19-year-old, whose real name is Matima Miller, was shot and taken to hospital on Monday, according to police in the US state of Delaware.

More details will be released when possible, the Wilmington Police Department said, external.

The dancer's family posted on his Instagram page to say they're working "to get justice for Swavy".

They added that "due to legality," they can't share much information about events surrounding the incident.

"This is just the beginning, we will forever keep his name alive and continue his legacy," the post said.

This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Instagram
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip instagram post by oneway.swavy

Allow Instagram content?

This article contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Meta’s Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of instagram post by oneway.swavy

Swavy had 2.7 million TikTok followers on his account and over 400,000 on Instagram.

Some of his TikTok videos have had more than 100 million likes and his most recent clip has more than 6.8 million views.

His family said the impact he had on others "remains unmatched", thanking fans for the "continued love and support".

Many fans have been posting tributes on his videos on social media.

"You changed people's lives by making them smile," said one, external, while another added, external: "Gone but never forgotten. I love watching your videos and I will still continue to."

Fellow TikTok star Damaury Mikula, 18, posted an emotional tribute on YouTube.

He said he plans to carry on Swavy's legacy and make sure his name stays known.

"I'm about to go hard for you," he said, adding: "You were so innocent."

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, external, Facebook, external, Twitter, external and YouTube, external.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.