Philip DeFranco and MatPat have been leading tributes for Grant Thompson, after the YouTube star tragically died following a paragliding accident, aged 38.
The vlogger, who created and starred in the King Of Random series, went missing after going paragliding in Utah on Monday evening.
His body was found on Tuesday after police got his location from GPS data and launched a helicopter search, according to TMZ.
Philip DeFranco was one of the first to pay tribute to the YouTube star, tweeting: ‘My heart goes out to Grant’s friends and family. I didn’t know him well but the times we spoke you could immediately tell what a unique, smart, and passionate guy he was.’
MatPat, the creator of webseries Game Theory, added: ‘So sad to learn about the tragic passing of YouTube’s King of Random, Grant Thompson.
‘He was passionate and fearless with videos that inspired millions of future scientists. You’re gone FAR too soon, but the HUGE positive impact you made will be felt for a long time.’
Justine Ezarik, known online as iJustine, wrote: ‘I’m devastated hearing the news of Grant’s passing. He was always so kind and such an inspiration to so many.’
Fellow YouTuber Matthew Santoro said he was ‘in complete shock’ at the news, adding: ‘My heart is broken. According to his Instagram, my friend @thekingofrandom, Grant Thompson, tragically passed away last night.
‘Grant was always one of the most kind members of the @YouTube community and a good friend. He will truly be missed.’
YouTube star Lance Stewart said: ‘R.I.P. to the legend Grant Thompson @thekingofrandom always had fun hanging out with you my man! It’s unfortunate to see you leave is so soon, my prayers go out to you and your family.’
VidCon, a YouTube convention founded by Hank Green, wrote: ‘RIP to the legend Grant Thompson. Thank you for inspiring and touching so many of us with your curiosity, creativity, and passion. You will be forever missed. Our sincerest condolences are with his family.’
Meanwhile, YouTube’s official Twitter account also linked to an ‘In Memoriam’ video on Grant’s channel, and wrote: ‘We’re deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Grant Thompson, a gifted, passionate and endlessly curious creator.
‘We send our deepest condolences to his loving family, The King of Random team and fans.’
Grant – who supplied life lacks and experiments to his 11 million subscribers – had gotten into paragliding five months ago, according to his brother Mark.
Mark said the family is still being briefed on what exactly happened in the crash. Grant’s death was announced on his social media accounts on Tuesday with a photo of the vlogger and a post urging people to ‘do a random act of love or kindness today in honor of The King of Random.’
Grant was reported missing an hour after he was meant to return by a caller who said he couldn’t be reached on his phone.
He went off the radar near the Sand Hollow State Park, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. Police said they found paragliding equipment at the crash site and a video recording device, which they are reviewing to try to understand what happened.
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MORE: YouTube star Grant Thompson dies aged 38 in paragliding accident in Utah
