Zepa dead: YouTube star, 26, dies 'unexpectedly' as family left heartbroken

Zepa dead: YouTube star, 26, dies 'unexpectedly' as family left heartbrokenYouTube sensation Zepa has died at the age of 26, her family have announced after they mourned the late star in a private and intimate funeralComments3amDaniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor12:39, 08 Apr 2026Updated 12:53, 08 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesZepa has died at the age of 26(Image: Jam Press)A popular YouTube star has died. Zepa was just 26. Her sudden death was announced via one of her social media accounts on Monday.‌A statement read: "Please accept my apologies for this sudden message. Zepa has passed away unexpectedly. I would like to apologise on her behalf for bringing you this news. The funeral was held privately with family members only.‌"We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness and support you showed her during her lifetime." Zepa, whose legal name has not been made public, had built a huge following of more than 1.4 million fans across social media.‌View 3 ImagesZepa was just 26-years-old(Image: Jam Press)View 3 ImagesZepa's family confirmed she had died, and her funeral had been held privately (Image: Jam Press)On YouTube alone, she attracted over 600,000 subscribers with her Jirai-kei fashion videos and live-streamed drink taste tests. The star, from Japan's Kansai region, had originally dreamed of becoming a hairdresser.‌But she later changed course on her mother's advice and went on to study law at university. Her cause of death has not been revealed, although she had previously spoken about struggling with alcohol and being in a low place.She had also opened up about family issues and online abuse, as reported by NeedToKnow. Since the tragic news broke, fans have flooded her pages with emotional tributes.One wrote: "She was young, beautiful, and talented – it's truly heartbreaking." Another said: "She was someone you wanted to watch on the toughest days. On nights you wanted...