YouTuber Annabelle Ham passed away due to an “epileptic event,” as conveyed by her family on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message posted on the 22-year-old’s Instagram account, her family expressed their deep sorrow, revealing that Annabelle had been struggling with epilepsy for a prolonged period. They highlighted her desire to raise awareness about the condition, a mission they vowed to continue in her memory.
Hailing from Atlanta and a student at Kennesaw State University, Annabelle had a substantial online presence, boasting more than 78,000 YouTube subscribers and 75,200 followers on Instagram. She primarily focused on lifestyle-based content, sharing glimpses of her daily life through vlogs, offering beauty tips, and showcasing hauls.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures, wherein the brain experiences sudden and abnormal surges of electrical activity. These seizures can lead to involuntary changes in body movement, sensations, behavior, or awareness. In the United States, approximately 3.4 million individuals live with epilepsy, according to CDC data.
Expressing their grief on Instagram, Annabelle’s sister Alexandria described her as a radiant and vibrant soul that illuminated the world. Her other sister, Amelia, struggled to find words to express the profound loss, acknowledging that one never expects such tragedies until they happen.
Though uncommon, epilepsy-related deaths do occur. The official cause of Annabelle’s death has not been disclosed yet, but what’s known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) affects about one in 1000 people with the condition annually, according to the charity SUDEP Action. The risk of SUDEP is higher in individuals with more complex and rare forms of epilepsy, and certain factors, like tonic-cluster seizures, seizures during sleep, irregular epilepsy medication usage, and living alone, can further increase the risk, as noted by Epilepsy Action.
The exact cause of SUDEP remains uncertain, but possibilities include seizures causing breathing pauses or dangerous heart rhythms, as suggested by the CDC.
To mitigate the risk of SUDEP, individuals are encouraged to adhere to their prescribed medication regimen, keep a seizure diary, and avoid triggers such as sleep deprivation, stress, or excessive alcohol consumption. Being proactive in managing epilepsy can contribute to reducing the likelihood of SUDEP.