An influencer who created the popular multiplayer game Stick Run has died at age 30 after setting himself on fire during a live stream.
Manuel Otto, who was only 14 years old when he created his most famous game, allegedly committed suicide Tuesday evening during a live broadcast to his subscribers on the streaming platform Twitch, according to information on social networks.
The body of the German influencer was found following a fire at a property in Bavaria, southeastern Germany, after a neighbor noticed the fire and tried to put it out, according to local media PNP.
“Stick Run is aware of a livestream on Twitch involving its creator and owner, Manuel Otto, in which he appears to have committed suicide. We understand that Twitch has since removed the livestream and associated video,” Stick Run said in an X post on Monday.
“We encourage the community to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation,” the statement continued.
“If you have any information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, please contact us or your local law enforcement agency,” it continued.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto,” the official Stick Run X-page said in a follow-up statement on Tuesday.
A Twitch spokesperson told the Post that the streaming platform quickly removed Manuel’s channel and any video of his death.
“What happened is horrific, and the mental health and well-being of our community is deeply important to us,” the spokesperson said.
“We encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help and we offer tools on Twitch to help people connect to local mental health resources in their area,” they added.
“We quickly removed the channel and video on demand to prevent it from being viewed by others,” the spokesperson said.
Otto created Stick Run as a free game on Facebook in 2010, and it was reportedly played by more than 43 million people worldwide on both desktops and mobile phones, according to Dexerto.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line to 741741.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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