‘Gone Too Soon’: TikTok Star Anna Grace Phelan dies at 19 after battle with brain cancer

Anna Grace Phelan, a 19-year-old TikTok influencer from Jefferson, Georgia, passed away on May 23, 2025, after an eight-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.

Her family announced her death in a heartfelt message on her TikTok page, stating, "It is with great sadness to announce that our beautiful daughter, Anna Grace Phelan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." They expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received during her illness.

“So many of you have followed her journey through a difficult battle with cancer and bore witness to her powerful testimony of faith,” it went on.


Phelan first noticed symptoms in August 2024, including numbness on the left side of her face and right leg, loss of balance, vision problems, and slurred speech.

In September 2024, she said she had been diagnosed with a Grade 4 malignant brain tumour.

An MRI revealed a lesion on her brain, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the devastating news, she remained steadfast in her faith, sharing her journey with over 150,000 followers on TikTok.

In one of her final videos on May 14, Phelan revealed that her tumor had grown into an area affecting her breathing and was inoperable. She thanked her supporters for their prayers, stating, "It would take a miracle, but I'm not giving up yet. If you keep praying for me.”

A GoFundMe campaign raised over $65,000 to support her medical care. Phelan is survived by her parents, “Buddy”, Nadine Phelan, and her brother, Harper David Phelan. Her funeral service is scheduled for May 29 at Galilee Christian Church in Jackson, followed by a burial at the church's cemetery.