Underscoring the ongoing concerns about youth violence, a TikTok influencer faced a beach horror when he was fatally shot.
Chrystofer Whyte, who had amassed over 100,000 followers as “hi.imchrys,” was gunned down just hours after posting videos from the same location.
The shooting occurred at Pier Village in Long Branch, New Jersey, just before 9 p.m.
Authorities from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reported that 18-year-old Whyte suffered a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Long Branch Police Department.
Two suspects have been charged in connection with the murder.
A teenager, whose identity is being withheld due to his age, is currently being held in a juvenile detention center.
This suspect faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an illegal purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon, and hindering.
Dwayne Exilus, 18, was also charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree hindering, and fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon.
Investigators are still working to determine what led to the deadly confrontation.
“I think this whole situation was about egos,” said Jaiden Roche, the victim’s friend, offering insight into what might have triggered the violence.
Friends of Whyte revealed that local kids had antagonized the TikTok influencer during his live videos.
It remains unclear whether the suspects were involved in this bullying or if they knew Whyte prior to the incident.
Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting death of TikTok Influencer Chrystofer A. Whyte. https://t.co/FLk0PGV8dP
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) July 1, 2025
Hours before his death, the late influencer posted two final videos on TikTok.
One showed him sitting in a striped blue chair on the very beach where he would later be killed, with the caption tagging #longbranch.
His other post contained the haunting message: “Stay away from ppl that ignore you until they need you.”
Whyte was more than just a social media personality. He was also an accomplished student-athlete who played football and wrestled for Woodbridge High School.
The New Brunswick native had his whole life ahead of him before it was tragically cut short by senseless violence.
“Chrys was an unbelievable kid,” said Joseph LaSala, his former football coach. “He brought energy and enthusiasm every day.”
This tragedy is yet another example of how gun violence continues to plague American communities, particularly affecting the youth.
The ease with which teenagers can obtain deadly weapons remains a pressing concern for families and law enforcement alike.
As the investigation continues, many wonder what could have been done to prevent this senseless loss of life.
