The internet is a weird place. It's where we make friends with people we've never met, and it's where we mourn people who only ever existed to us as a pixelated avatar and a sarcastic voice. If you've been anywhere near Minecraft YouTube in the last few years, you already know the name. But for those looking for the specific timeline, the answer to when did Technoblade pass away is June 2022.
Specifically, the news hit the world on June 30, 2022.
It wasn't just a tweet or a news leak. It was a video titled "so long nerds." Even now, years later, that title carries a heavy weight. His father sat in a chair, a dog by his side, and read a script Technoblade—whose real name was Alex—wrote just hours before he died. He was only 23. It’s rare for a creator’s death to stop the entire internet in its tracks, but that’s exactly what happened. From the developers at Mojang to millions of kids in their bedrooms, the silence was deafening.
The Timeline of the "Blood God"
Alex wasn't just another gamer. He was a phenomenon. He had this dry, self-deprecating wit that made you feel like you were in on an inside joke.
In August 2021, things changed. He posted a video—typical Techno style, very casual—explaining that his arm hurt. He thought it was carpal tunnel. Stress from gaming? Maybe. But doctors found a tumor. It was sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that grows in the connective tissues.
He didn't stop making videos. He didn't even stop winning. He literally joked about "the perks" of his situation to keep his fans from spiraling. That was the thing about him; he used humor as a shield and a gift for his community. Throughout late 2021 and early 2022, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation. There was a point where doctors actually suggested amputating his arm, but he opted for a limb-salvaging surgery instead.
Then came June.
While the video "so long nerds" was uploaded on June 30, it is widely understood that Alex passed away shortly before that, likely in the final days of June. His father mentioned in the video that Alex had lived about eight hours after finishing his final message to his fans. He spent his last moments surrounded by family.
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Understanding the Sarcoma Battle
Sarcoma is a beast. It’s not like the more common cancers people talk about every day. It accounts for only about 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses, making it incredibly difficult to treat because the research funding just isn't as high as it is for others.
Alex’s specific struggle was with the aggressive nature of the disease. Despite the best medical care and his own incredible resilience, it spread. But even as his health declined, he was focused on others. He raised over $500,000 for the Sarcoma Foundation of America during his own battle. Think about that for a second. While fighting for his life, he was literally grinding for the lives of others.
The Minecraft community didn't just watch; they participated. The "Technoblade Never Dies" mantra became more than a meme. It became a fundraising slogan.
Why the Internet Still Can’t Let Go
You might wonder why people still search for when did Technoblade pass away or why he still trends on Twitter every other month.
He was the "final boss" of Minecraft. In the Dream SMP—a massive roleplay server—he played a chaotic anarchist who was essentially invincible. But in real life, he was a shy guy who loved his family and his community. This duality is what made him human.
When he died, the outpouring of grief was unprecedented.
- Mojang added a crown to the pig on the Minecraft launcher's loading screen.
- The Sarcoma Foundation of America created the "Technoblade Memorial Cancer Research Fund."
- Hundreds of thousands of fans shared stories of how his videos got them through the pandemic.
Honestly, the impact he had on the competitive Minecraft scene (the "Potato War" videos are legendary) is basically unparalleled. He didn't just play the game; he solved it. He spent months farming virtual potatoes just to win a petty argument with another YouTuber, Squid Kid. That level of dedication is why people stayed.
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The Post-Technoblade Era
What happens when a titan leaves the stage?
The community didn't fracture. If anything, it got tighter. His family, particularly his father (fondly known as Technodad), stayed active on Reddit and social media. They didn't just disappear. They leaned into the community Alex built. They’ve continued the charity work, turning a personal tragedy into a massive force for good.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about his private life, mostly because Alex was incredibly private. He didn't show his face often. He didn't do the whole "influencer lifestyle" thing. He lived in California, he liked his privacy, and he loved his craft.
Misconceptions About His Passing
A few things get twisted in the retelling of his story.
First, some people think it happened suddenly without warning. While the "so long nerds" video was a shock to those who didn't follow him closely, his core audience knew he was sick. However, the speed at which he declined in June 2022 was a surprise even to many who were following his updates.
Second, there’s the question of his name. For years, fans thought his name was Dave because of a joke he made in an early video. In his final video, he revealed his real name was Alex. It was one last "troll" on his audience—a final bit of classic Techno humor.
Third, people often ask if the channel is "dead." It’s not. It’s a monument. His videos still get millions of views every month. New fans find him every day. The "Technoblade Never Dies" phrase isn't just about his in-game character anymore; it’s about the fact that his content is essentially timeless.
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Actionable Insights for the Community
If you're looking for ways to honor his memory or if you're just catching up on what happened, here is the best way to move forward:
Support the Research
The Sarcoma Foundation of America is the real deal. They have a dedicated fund in his name. Instead of buying unofficial merch from random sites, donating a few dollars there actually helps solve the problem that took him from us.
Watch the Classics
If you want to understand the hype, watch the "Potato War" trilogy or his "The Great Mediocre Map" video. You'll see why his writing and comedic timing were considered top-tier in the industry. It wasn't just about the gaming; it was about the storytelling.
Participate in Community Events
The Technoblade community on Reddit (r/Technoblade) is incredibly active. They do art contests, memory sharing, and support groups. It’s a surprisingly wholesome corner of the internet for a guy who called himself the "Blood God."
Respect the Family's Privacy
While Technodad is active, remember that they are still a family who lost a son and a brother. Engaging with them should always be done with kindness and zero expectations of "content."
Technoblade’s death on June 30, 2022, was a turning point for digital culture. it proved that these "parasocial" relationships we have with creators can be deeply meaningful and, when channeled correctly, can change the world through charity and collective empathy. He left at the height of his fame, undefeated, and with a legacy that literally changed the code of the game he loved.
To help fight the disease that took Alex, you can visit the Sarcoma Foundation of America and look for the Technoblade Memorial fund. Every bit of research brings us closer to ensuring another family doesn't have to post a "so long" video far too soon.