Teen Creator of 'Clouds' Viral Music Video Dies of Cancer

Zach Sobiech, creator of the "Clouds" song that became a viral YouTube hit, died of cancer on Monday. He was 18. "Zach was at home and at peace with those he loved most," the Children's Cancer Research Fund said in a statement announcing Sobiech's death. "Zach's life ended just as he lived, embraced by the love of his family, friends, grace and music." Sobiech had been fighting osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, for the past four years after his diagnosis at age 14. Last May, after treatment options ran out, doctors told the Minnesotan teen that he had up to a year left to live. Since his diagnosis in 2009, Sobiech had been writing farewell letters in the form of songs to his friends and family. Last year, he uploaded "Clouds" to YouTube, a pop tune that went viral and currently boasts over 3 million views. Sobiech's story struck a chord with people all over the world, including some celebrities who spread his message through a tribute video. As a result, thousands of supporters donated to cancer research in his name. The Sobiech family requests that donations to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund be made in lieu of flowers "to help carry on Zach's mission to help kids with cancer." SEE ALSO: Teen Develops Computer Algorithm to Diagnose Leukemia
Earlier this month, media company SoulPancake released a documentary about Sobiech's life, below. Screenshot image courtesy of YouTube, TheWoollyRhino