Tyler Wall had a knack for lighting up a room. He was the kind of fitness coach who cracked jokes mid‐squat, belted out motivational anthems on the treadmill, and somehow made losing weight look like the most exhilarating roller‑coaster ride you’d ever willingly queue for. So when the news broke that he’d been found dead on February 18, 2025, in Greenville, North Carolina—just days before the climactic finale of MrBeast’s “Lose 100 LBS, Win $250,000” challenge—it felt utterly surreal.
In the days since his passing, thousands of dollars have poured into a GoFundMe campaign set up by his sister, Kaitlyn Lindsay, to cover funeral costs and secure educational futures for his adored niece and nephew. Yet beyond the numbers lie questions about what happened, why it happened, and how someone so full of life could disappear unexpectedly from it.
Below, we take you through Wall’s journey, the shocking circumstances of his death, the outpouring of support that followed, and a personal reflection on a life cut tragically short.
TL;DR
- Beloved fitness coach Tyler Wall unexpectedly died during MrBeast’s “Lose 100 LBS, Win $250,000” challenge.
- His cause of death was Mitragynine Toxicity (kratom poisoning).
- A GoFundMe by his sister raised over $37,000 for funeral costs and his niece and nephew’s education.
- MrBeast aired the video with family’s blessing, sparking debate.
- Tyler’s legacy lives on through his inspiring coaching style and increased awareness of kratom risks.
Who Was Tyler Wall?
First things first: Tyler wasn’t your stereotypical drill‑sergeant coach. Sure, he could bark orders when the situation called for it, but more often he’d crack a pun about protein shakes or plant‑based diets mid‑session. He believed fitness should be fun. He believed in celebrating every small victory, whether it was someone finally mastering a burpee or fitting into jeans they hadn’t worn since high school.
He started his coaching career in small, community gyms across North Carolina. Soon, his larger‑than‑life personality and genuine empathy earned him a following on social media. His Instagram bio simply read, “Here to make you sweat—and smile.” And boy, did it deliver. Clips of his unconventional workouts—think deadlifts set to power‑ballad karaoke or spin classes themed around ’80s synth—racked up millions of views.
By late 2024, those views translated into real opportunities. Enter MrBeast’s ambitious weight‑loss challenge: help contestant Majd Khader lose 100 pounds in 100 days and pocket a quarter‑million dollars if successful. Tyler signed on as Majd’s coach. He invested himself fully: mapping out meal plans, customizing workouts, and, above all, forging a genuine friendship with Majd.
“It’s not just about the pounds,” he’d often say. “It’s about the person underneath—and how they see themselves at the end.”
The Weight‑Loss Challenge: A High‑Stakes Journey
Day 1 kicked off with raw excitement. Majd—tense, hopeful, and ready for change—stood onstage. Tyler stood beside him, mic in one hand, clipboard in the other, offering that trademark grin. The rules were clear: 100 days, 100 pounds. If Majd succeeded, he’d secure $250,000. If not, nada.
In the early weeks, the duo’s chemistry was undeniable. Tyler’s routines pushed Majd to new limits. They danced through warm‑ups to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” They grunted through squats timed to the beat of “Eye of the Tiger.” They high‑fived after every session. And they documented it all. Viewers watched their bond grow. They watched Majd drop pounds. They watched Tyler celebrate every milestone like it was his own.
By Day 60, Majd had shed 60 pounds. His transformation was staggering, but Tyler kept him grounded. “Losing weight is one thing,” he reminded him. “Keeping it off—that’s the real test.” Majd nodded, buoyed by Tyler’s confidence.
Day 85: The Shocking News
Everything changed on Day 85. Majd arrived at the gym for a routine session—only to be met by somber faces. MrBeast’s production crew had grim news: Tyler Wall had been found dead in his apartment.
The moment was frozen in disbelief. Majd’s jaw dropped. Crew members exchanged looks of shock. Fans around the world gasped at the live updates. How could someone so full of life just… be gone?
The immediate reaction was grief. For Majd, it was personal. For the MrBeast team, it was a gut punch. For the millions of viewers, it was a bewildering tragedy unfolding in real time on YouTube.
Unraveling the Cause: Mitragynine Toxicity
When the official documents emerged, as found by Newsweek, the cause of death was listed as “Mitragynine Toxicity.” In plain English, that’s poisoning from mitragynine—the primary active compound in kratom, an herbal supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree.
Kratom has a complicated reputation. In small doses, it acts like a stimulant. In larger doses, it’s a sedative with opioid‑like properties. Proponents tout its mood‑boosting benefits. Critics warn about addiction and potential toxicity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has flagged kratom for safety concerns, and some states have regulated or banned its sale.
For Tyler, the death certificate’s “Accident” classification suggests an unintended overdose. But the why remains murky. Was he experimenting with dosages? Was there a contaminated batch? Did he use it to manage pain or stress? Those close to him have declined to speculate publicly, and the family’s focus—rightfully—has been on honoring his legacy.
The GoFundMe Campaign: Family, Friends, Fans
Within 48 hours of his death, Tyler’s sister Kaitlyn launched a GoFundMe. Her goal was modest: cover funeral expenses and celebrate his life in a fitting way. Yet within days, the total surpassed $37,000—well beyond the initial target. More than 200 donors chipped in.
“Tyler was ASTONISHING. MAGNIFICENT,” Kaitlyn wrote. “He was a loyal friend, with true depth of love and passion for his people. You were his people.”
Every donation told a story. An anonymous donor gave $10,000, writing simply, “He saved me in ways he didn’t know.” A veteran from Kansas shared how Tyler’s online workouts helped him cope with PTSD. A college student credited Tyler’s podcasts for inspiring a complete lifestyle overhaul.
With funeral costs covered, the surplus began to accumulate. Kaitlyn announced that extra funds would go into education savings plans for Tyler’s niece and nephew—the children he doted on during every holiday get‑together, birthday party, and bedtime story session.
The Controversy: Should the Video Have Aired?
Amid the grief, a debate ignited: was it appropriate for MrBeast to release the weight‑loss video featuring Tyler after his death? Some fans complained that it felt exploitative—a bid for views at a sensitive time. Others argued that Tyler himself would have wanted the world to see the message: hope, transformation, perseverance.
MrBeast addressed the criticism directly. He said he and his team consulted Tyler’s family before uploading. They received a blessing to proceed. In the video’s description, he wrote:
“With grace and wisdom, they expressed that Tyler would have wanted his message of hope and positivity to continue reaching others.”
Still, skepticism lingered in the comments. Emotions were raw. Some felt the timing could have been gentler. Others applauded the transparency and the tribute it represented.
Legacy in Motion: Remembering Coach Wall
Let’s be clear: Tyler’s influence didn’t end with his passing. If anything, it gained new momentum. Here’s why:
- Enduring Motivation
- Clips of Tyler coaching went viral again. People who missed his early content discovered him for the first time. They marveled at his energy. They resonated with his authenticity.
- Awareness of Kratom Risks
- Kratom flew under many radar screens. Now, medical professionals and regulatory bodies cited his death in discussions about kratom safety. Warnings about mitragynine toxicity reached a broader audience.
- Community Resilience
- Fitness groups organized “Workouts for Wall” charity events. Runners in marathons wore shirts bearing his motto: “Sweat, Smile, Repeat.” Gym owners donated portions of membership fees to the GoFundMe.
- Digital Memorials
- Fans created tribute playlists featuring his favorite pump‑up songs. Instagram accounts dedicated day by day to stories of lives he changed. A subreddit formed where people shared before‑and‑after photos crediting Tyler for their transformation.
Each initiative underscored one thing: Tyler’s ethos—celebrate progress, uplift others, find joy in the struggle—still resonates.
Beyond the Hype: A Personal Perspective
Here’s my two cents: in an age when “influencer” often equals curated perfection, Tyler Wall was a breath of unfiltered air. He didn’t pretend to have all the answers. He didn’t script his reactions. He showed his own struggles alongside his triumphs.
When anyone stumbles, it’s tempting to blame external forces—stress, temptation, bad luck. That’s part of Tyler’s cautionary tale. Kratom might promise relief, but it carries real dangers. If someone as knowledgeable about health as Tyler could fall victim, it’s a stark reminder that no supplement or shortcut is without risk.
At the same time, let’s not reduce his story to just “cautionary.” That would be a disservice. Tyler thrived on connection. His classes weren’t just workouts; they were support groups in activewear. He cheered louder for the person who struggled more. He celebrated the tiny milestones no one else noticed. That’s rare. That’s precious.
My take? Use this moment to honor both sides of the coin: the joy he spread and the lessons his death teaches. Keep sweating. Keep laughing. But also, stay informed. Scrutinize every supplement. Talk to professionals. Cherish every session as more than just calories burned—it’s community, accountability, purpose.
What’s Next for Majd and the Challenge?
Majd Khader faced a heartbreaking choice: quit or carry on without his mentor? He chose the latter. “I can’t let him down,” Majd said. And so he pressed forward, completing the 100‑pound journey in 178 days. He crossed that finish line—not just for the money, but for Tyler’s memory.
In the final video messages, Majd dedicated his success to Tyler. He promised to pay forward the same encouragement he received. In doing so, he ensured that Tyler’s spirit lived on in every squat, every sprint, every student inspired.
Final Thoughts: Turning Grief into Growth
Tragedy has a way of jolting us from autopilot. We pause. We reflect. We ask, “What matters?” With Tyler Wall, the answer was simple: people matter. Progress matters—no matter how small. Authenticity matters. Connection matters.
If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt stuck—physically, mentally, emotionally—know that Tyler’s legacy isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about finding that spark inside you. It’s about sharing it with someone else. It’s about turning one more rep into one more reason to smile.
Join a memorial workout online. Donate to the GoFundMe for the kids he loved. Look up reputable kratom safety resources if you’re curious. But above all, honor Tyler by living with the same gusto he did: with compassion, with humor, and with the unshakeable belief that every day is another chance to be astonishing.
Rest in power, Coach Wall. Your guideposts live on—in every drop of sweat and every joyful grin you sparked.
