Fitness influencer Connor Murphy, who gained millions of followers online for promoting the controversial “looksmaxxing” trend, has reportedly died after drowning in a lake in Thailand. He was 32.
Murphy, a Texas-born bodybuilder and YouTuber with more than 2.4 million subscribers, built a massive online following through fitness content, comedic skits, and viral stunts. In recent years, he also became widely associated with the online “looksmaxxing” movement, which encourages men to maximize their physical appearance through various methods, including cosmetic procedures.
According to local Thai newspaper The Bangkok Post, the incident happened at a housing estate in Samut Prakan province.
The outlet reported that Murphy arrived at the estate in a hired vehicle before becoming “frenzied.” When police officers responded to the scene, Murphy allegedly ran from them and jumped into a nearby lake, where he began swimming.
Authorities said he continued swimming until he disappeared beneath the water, according to LADbible. Rescue divers searched for approximately 30 minutes before recovering his body about 20 meters from the shore.
Police later sent Murphy’s body to Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital for an autopsy, according to the report.
The Independent reported that Murphy had been staying at the estate with his 22-year-old girlfriend. She reportedly told police that he had been acting unusually before his death but said she was unaware of any possible drug use.
“Rest in peace my brother”
Murphy’s death was later confirmed by fellow influencer Tony Huge, who shared the news in a post on Instagram.
When news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in across social media.
Among them was influencer Jon Skywalker Brannon, who reflected on knowing Murphy during the early days of their careers.
“I will always remember you as the young kid who came up in this industry at the same time as me; thrown into a toxic industry and into the unforgiving spotlight of social media with no guidance and no mentor.”
“Only God knows the mental and emotional weight you carried throughout the years… the expectations and pressure placed on your shoulders by millions of people who only ever witnessed a facet of your life,” he continued.
“What saddens me the most is that the world will probably never know who you truly were behind the persona. Rest in peace my brother. May angels guide you to a better place.”
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