Mel Thompson, a popular YouTube star and makeup artist, passed away at the age of 35 on September 26, 2021. Her husband, Eric Thompson, confirmed the news of her death in an emotional Instagram post, where he shared some photos of her smiling and expressed his love and gratitude for her. He also revealed that she was loved by many people and that she was a pillar for their family of four children. He did not disclose the cause of her death, but a friend of his commented on the post and said that Mel had been suffering from several health problems, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), according to Doms2cents.
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What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect the connective tissue, which provides support and structure to the skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs, and bones, according to NHS. There are different types of EDS, each with different symptoms and severity. Some of the common signs of EDS include joint hypermobility, stretchy and fragile skin, easy bruising and bleeding, chronic pain, and fatigue. Some types of EDS can also affect the heart, lungs, digestive system, and nervous system, and can cause life-threatening complications.
How did Mel Thompson cope with EDS?
Mel Thompson had been diagnosed with EDS and had talked about her health condition on her YouTube channel, where she had more than 170,000 subscribers. She had joined YouTube in 2013 and had posted nearly 1,230 videos, mostly about makeup tutorials, product reviews, and hauls. She was known for her talent, knowledge, and honesty in the beauty community. Her last video was uploaded just two days before her death, though it is unclear when she filmed it.
Mel had also shared some of her struggles with EDS on her Instagram account, where she had more than 57,000 followers. In one post from June 2020, she wrote: “I have EDS and it causes me to have chronic pain and fatigue among other things. Some days are better than others but I try to push through and do what I love which is makeup.” She also thanked her fans for their support and encouragement.
Many fellow YouTubers, influencers, and fans expressed their shock and sadness over Mel Thompson’s death on social media. They praised her for her beauty, kindness, and generosity, and sent their condolences to her family. Some of the notable names who paid tribute to her include Tara Lynn, Bailey Sarian, Kelsey Briana Jai, Samantha Ravndahl, and RawBeautyKristi. They remembered her as a sweet, genuine, and inspiring person who had a positive impact on their lives. They also urged people to donate to the Ehlers-Danlos Society, a nonprofit organization that supports research, education, and awareness for EDS.
