The White House joins Tiktok amid national security concerns
The White House has launched a Tiktok account as President Donald Trump praises the app for attracting young voters in the 2024 presidential election.
Malik Taylor, a social media creator with over 200,000 Tiktok followers, has passed away, his family announced.
“As Malik Taylor’s family, we are loving and grateful for our acknowledgement of the incredible support and kindness that was shown after his untimely death in a tragic vehicle accident,” Taylor’s family said in an August 23rd statement sharing his business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Sai.
Taylor died in a car accident in Concord, North Carolina on August 20th, and Concord Police Department spokesman Lindsay Manson confirmed with USA Today.
Concord police responded to Lapis Lane NW around 7:45am local time and found that the Nissan Rogue had crashed on a bank about 20 feet off the road. The victim, later identified as Taylor, was declared dead at the scene, with no other passengers or vehicles involved, Manson said.
Investigators ruled out foul plays and suspected alcohol as a contributing factor. Prosecutors determined Taylor’s death was the cause of death, Manson said he was injured to multiple blunt forces.
Tiktoker’s “creativity, humor and spirit touched countless lives,” says the family
Taylor’s family said in a statement shared by his fraternity that he was “a lot more than the creators of the content.”
“His creativity, humor and spirit touch on countless lives, and his legacy of inspiring, entertaining and uplifting others remains alive,” the statement said.
The family said, “We sought privacy and compassion together as a family, finding strength.”
“We are deeply grateful for the pouring of love from the community that accepted him,” the statement added. “Your encouragement and support means more than words can express.”
The Zetafai branch of Alpha Kappasai, based at Austimpy State University, said Taylor is a member of the 2017 class.
“To know him was to know that he was a light for everyone. It often brings the laughter, joy, and a warm smile that brightened every room he entered,” the chapter said in a social media statement.
“Everyone loved your video”: Malik Taylor was a tict car with over 200,000 followers
With over 266,000 followers, Taylor’s Tiktok account features pop culture commentary and comedy videos.
He recently moved from Memphis, Tennessee to Charlotte, North Carolina, according to Taylor’s social media. Concord is approximately 25 miles northeast of Charlotte. In his final Tiktok post, he spoke in the move and captioned the video, “Queen City needed a king.” After his death, fans left incredible comments on the video. One user said, “Everyone loved your video. Please rest in Peace Malik.” While another wrote, “One of my favourite content creators.”
In an Instagram post in July, Taylor celebrated her 28th birthday with a photo shoot inspired by the Great Gatsby.
“I survived 27 clubs (barely) and just celebrate the 28th, a party of this century. Call me Malik Gatsby,” he writes. “Cheers to the rest of my 20s old sports.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
