TikTok comedian Steve Bridges has died at age 41, his wife confirmed on social media Friday.

Chelsey Bridges said her husband of 16 years, known for creating and portraying various characters in comedy skits online, died Oct. 15. She did not reveal the cause of his death but said he passed away "peacefully in his sleep."

"I'm really sorry to get on and tell you this," Chelsey said with tears. "I think if I wait any longer, I'm not gonna be able to do it."

She called her husband immensely talented, adding he was the opposite of his many obnoxious fictional characters.

The Illinois man garnered more than 400,000 followers on Instagram and over 2 million on TikTok through his sketches, typically involving a costume, greenscreen and an exaggerated voice.

"He was the most attentive father. And the best, the best husband. And the greatest, sweetest man. And thanks to you, Internet, he's been able to live his dream of making people laugh. And I am so thankful. I'm so thankful that he got to do that," she said. "I have so much more I want to say about him. I have so many stories. We have so many plans."

Steve is survived by Chelsea and their three children, who she said are grieving and urged the public to show compassion.

"My children are on here, so please be kind. They're Gen Z or Gen Alpha or whatever. I am not gonna tell my children they can't grieve online. I will probably grieve online, too," Chelsey added. "This is life now."

She encouraged the world to never take their loved ones for granted and to "try to live your dreams every day. Love your family and take care of yourself."

A GoFundMe page set up to help the family pay for upcoming expenses has raised $33,000 as of Friday afternoon.

The fundraiser reads: "He leaves behind a legacy of making people laugh, as well as a family that could use the support of the community during this difficult time. If Steve ever brought joy to your life, please give if you can to assist his wife and three kids with expenses."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok comedian Steve Bridges dead at 41, wife announces in heartbreaking video

Reporting by Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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