Influencer Annabelle Ham dies at age 22: ‘A light to the world’

‘ If you knew Annabelle, you loved her and loved being around her,’ influencer’s sister says

Popular influencer Annabelle Ham has died at the age of 22 after experiencing an “epileptic event,” her family announced.

Ham, who had more than 73,000 followers on Instagram and an additional 77,000 subscribers on YouTube, was well known for her videos about life as a college student in Georgia, as well as makeup tips, and shopping hauls.

The news of her death was announced on Instagram on Monday 18 July by her sister, Alexandria Ham, who wrote of her family’s heartbreak over the 22-year-old’s passing.

“There will never be words for how heartbroken my family and I are. Annabelle was such a light to the world. A spark-plug. If you knew Annabelle, you loved her and loved being around her,” Alexandria captioned a photo of her and her sister. “She loved others so well too. Please keep my family in your prayers.”

Hours later, Ham’s family posted a statement about her passing to her Instagram, where they revealed that she experienced an “epileptic event,” a struggle that she dealt with for a “long time and wanted to raise awareness” of.

“This is Annabelle’s family. We’re writing this with heavy, heavy hearts. Annabelle experienced an epileptic event and has gone on to the gates of heaven. She struggled with this for a long time and wanted to raise awareness for it, which we will do in honour of her,” the 22-year-old’s family wrote. “Annabelle was beautiful and inspiring and lived life to the fullest. Everyone she met was inspired by her energy and the light inside her soul that shined so bright. She was, and will forever be, so so loved.”

In the post, which included a photo of Ham posing alongside her parents and two sisters, the family asked for “prayers of peace” for her family and friends.

Ham’s family also asked that fans of the influencer refrain from spreading “speculation or details that are unfounded” about her death.

“There will be a time to share more details and to go deeper into her life. Her accounts will be used to share what she went through and the joys she brought to all of us. Unnecessary comments only serve to hurt us all, this is a time for remembrance and mourning. Thank you,” the statement concluded.

The influencer’s other sister, Amelia, also posted a public tribute on Instagram, where she described the 22 year old as “amazing”.

“Sometimes I don’t understand why god does things but, I can’t even put into words how hard this is. You would never think something like this would or could happen to you until it does. Annabelle was such a good sister to Alexandria, and me. She was amazing, she has gone to so many places seen and done so many things,” she wrote, along with a photo of the siblings.

“I know she always wanted to live life to the fullest, that’s what we have to do now. And I know she is dancing around in heaven right now. I can’t wait to give u a big hug one day.”

The YouTuber’s sorority at Kennesaw State University in Georgia also paid tribute to her passing on social media, where the organisation described Ham as “cherished by all who knew her”.

“Alpha Omicron Pi is mourning the loss of Annabelle Ham, Beta Zeta, who passed away on 15 July 2023,” the statement shared to Facebook read. “Annabelle lived a vibrant life, brought smiles into every situation, and was cherished by all who knew her.

“Our sisterhood is completely heartbroken for the Ham family and for a beautiful life tragically cut short. The Fraternity will share more details as available regarding how to honour Annabelle’s life, how to support the sisters of the Beta Zeta Chapter during this time of grief, and instructions for the formal draping of the badge to honour our sister.”

The Independent has contacted a representative for Ham for comment.

Following the news of her death, Ham’s social media accounts have been flooded with tributes and messages of condolence from her fans and followers.

“Rest in peace to the most caring and beautiful soul. You’re in a better place,” one comment under Ham’s most recent Instagram post reads, while another individual wrote: “Your light shined on everyone you knew, truly a beautiful person inside and out. You made such an incredible impact on others. Rest in peace.”