Becca, the girl Byron proposed to, posted a statement online, in which she tragically revealed she had not seen the proposal until it was too late.
“this wont be long and wont be eloquent, im still processing,” she wrote.
“i didnt see the proposal until it was too late but that doesnt change the fact that i wasnt able to be there for him.”
“he was amazing. he taught me how to have fun, to experience more, and challenged me to try to be more than what i was. he was larger than life, too big for this world.”
“he brought me to realize that i knew NOTHING about depression, NOTHING about mental health issues. i had this vague idea of what it was and embarrassingly thought that i could help with trivial bullshit.”
“we loved each other but it came with its difficulties. i was insanely insecure when it came to him, i couldnt even recognize myself. i dont feel that i was able to be the person that he needed in his life.”
“we need better support for those with mental needs. i remember byron telling me how traumatized he was when he had the authorities called on him for being at risk of suicide. anyone that knew him knew how much it scared and affected him. THIS CANT BE HOW PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT THE PLACES THAT SHOULD BE KEEPING THEM SAFE. HOW THE F–K IS THAT OK? friends dont feel that its the right move to call for help when they know that the mental institutions they get sent to treat them like animals incapable of understanding. F–K that stupid ass logic song about the hotlines.”
“my heart hurts. im sure many of yours do as well. byron just wanted everyone to be friends, so lets be that for each other during these difficult times.”
“i will do my best to live as the best human i can be, byron. i promise. rest in peace.”
ORIGINAL STORY 7/2/2020 12:06PM
Gamer Byron Bernstein has reportedly died at the age of 31.
The famed streamer, who went by the name Reckful, died by suicide on Thursday morning according to reports.
Just four hours before news of his death began to circulate, the Twitch star had asked an ex-girlfriend to marry him.
“I know i’ll always be a little too crazy… and this is proof… but at least you’ll never be bored… will you marry me, becca?” he proposed, sharing pictures of happier times with his fellow streamer.
But he followed up asking his 400k followers not to pressure her into accepting.
“DO NOT make her feel pressured to say yes, i am completely insane here… i have not seen her in 6 months. the reason for the post is… I know she’s the one i want forever, and I wanted her to know my commitment is real.”
An hour later Byron, who had previously spoken openly about his depression and loneliness on Twitter, posted a final tweet.
“ahh, i feel bad for anyone who has to deal with my insanity,” he wrote. “please just know in these situations the insane person does not feel in control of their actions.”
The news was confirmed by another ex-girlfriend Blue, who posted their heartbreaking last text exchange, when she had reached out to see if he wanted to talk the day before.
“God f–king dammit, I wish he picked up the phone,” she wrote. “I knew he was sad but not how sad. I’m so devastated.”
“Byron, I wish I could have helped you. We all do. I’m so sorry I couldn’t. Thank you for being a part of my life. Love you always.”
Bernstein was once the highest rated player in World of Warcraft, and was working on a social online game called Everland — “hoping to help people find friendship and a sense of community” — which was due to be released this year.
Members of the Twitch community took to Twitter to express their shock and devastation at the loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress.
