The online gaming community is reeling from the tragic loss of La’tayvia Deshay Ransom, better known as Tayta Games, who passed away on September 17, 2025, at just 21 years old. The vibrant content creator, whose infectious laughter and gameplay videos captivated millions, succumbed to stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to her liver, just nine days shy of her 22nd birthday.
Tayta Games burst onto the YouTube scene in 2022, amassing over 428,000 subscribers with her comedic takes on games like Minecraft and Dress to Impress. Her unfiltered reactions and relatable charm earned her more than a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, where fans celebrated her as a joyful force in gaming. “Her videos were pure chaos and happiness,” one fan posted on X, echoing the widespread admiration for her unique style.
Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024, Tayta bravely shared her health struggles with her audience, detailing the toll of chemotherapy, including nerve-damaging side effects. In an April 2025 YouTube community post, she wrote, “I’m doing okay !! I haven’t been posting because I’m experiencing the side effects from chemo… I miss y’all.” Her final TikTok on August 21, 2025, showed her enduring spirit, though her illness was visibly taking its toll.
Compounding her battle were initial misdiagnoses, with doctors dismissing her symptoms as minor due to her young age, delaying critical testing. By the time her cancer was identified, it was advanced. In 2024, Tayta briefly halted chemo amid family encouragement toward alternative treatments, a choice that sparked concern among fans following her journey.
Her father, Elton “Dirt” Ransom, announced her passing in a raw Facebook post: “My Oldest daughter passed this morning… La’tayvia Deshay Ransom would have made 22yrs old in 9 days.” He described weeks of bedside hope and heartbreak. Beyond her online presence, Tayta was a painter, a mentor to her siblings, and a guiding light for her family’s creative endeavors.
As tributes pour in, fans and loved ones are remembering Tayta for her humor, resilience, and warmth. Her story highlights the critical need for early cancer screening and leaves a legacy of joy in the gaming world.
Fans can honor Tayta’s memory by visiting her YouTube channel or sharing messages on her social media platforms.