A popular social media influencer's final moments were captured in a seemingly peaceful beach video just hours before he was tragically gunned down in New Jersey last month.

According to Daily Mail, Chrystofer A. Whyte, 18, known as @hi.imchrys to his 105,000 TikTok followers, posted a video of himself relaxing at Long Branch beach shortly before being fatally shot on June 12.

The teen influencer shared footage showing him lounging on the sand wearing pink swimming trunks with a blue vape device visible. Just hours later, Long Branch Police would respond to reports of gunfire around 9 PM, discovering Whyte with a single gunshot wound that proved fatal at the scene.

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection to Shooting

Police have taken two individuals into custody - 18-year-old Dwayne Exilus and an unnamed juvenile. Exilus faces multiple second-degree weapons charges, while the juvenile has been charged with murder and weapons offenses.

This wasn't Exilus' first brush with the law. He was previously arrested in April over a shooting incident at an Applebee's restaurant, where he and three others allegedly chased someone into the parking lot and fired shots, though no injuries occurred.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office continues investigating the circumstances around Whyte's death, with no clear motive yet established.

Social Media Feud May Have Led to Violence

Jaiden Roche, a close friend of the victim, suggested to local media that online conflicts potentially sparked the deadly confrontation. He indicated Whyte had been facing harassment from individuals in Linden during TikTok livestreams.

"I think this whole situation was about egos, back and forth online. Chrys is a very humble person, but the one thing he doesn't tolerate is disrespect," Roche told the local Patch news outlet. He believes the suspects tracked Whyte's location through his final beach TikTok post.

According to witness accounts, Long Branch beach was crowded that evening, with beachgoers fleeing in panic after gunshots rang out.

Community Mourns Rising Social Media Star

Whyte had been working at the US Postal Service while pursuing his dreams of becoming a full-time content creator. His sudden death has devastated both his real-world and online communities.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Roche to cover funeral expenses describes Whyte as someone who "meant so much to everyone" and whose death "has a huge impact on his family & friends."

The influencer's final TikTok video has garnered over 6 million likes and thousands of heartfelt comments from followers mourning his loss and expressing condolences to his loved ones.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Online conflicts can escalate in dangerous and unpredictable ways. Though social media feuds may seem removed from real life, they can take on real-world consequences. It’s critical to report threats and avoid physical confrontations when tensions rise.

2. Share personal location details cautiously on social media. Whyte’s last TikTok indicated his whereabouts, which his friend believes may have contributed to his vulnerability. While everyone has a right to express themselves, keeping locations private can reduce risk.

3. No one is to blame but the perpetrators. While awareness and caution can improve personal safety, violence should never be seen as the victim's fault. This tragedy serves as a reminder that crime can affect anyone, and we must place responsibility squarely on those who commit it.

Why This Story Matters

This incident is a heartbreaking example of how youth violence and digital interactions are increasingly intertwined. It raises questions about community safety and how social media can sometimes fuel real-world conflict. It also underscores the vulnerability of young creators trying to pursue their dreams safely. The community has rallied not only to honor Whyte but to advocate for tools that better protect others in the future.

Conclusion

Chrystofer Whyte, an 18-year-old postal worker and emerging TikTok personality, lost his life shortly after sharing a beach video in Long Branch, New Jersey. Police allege that two individuals, including Dwayne Exilus—who has a prior conviction—played a role in the deadly shooting. While no clear motive is confirmed, those close to Whyte believe an online dispute may have escalated fatally. His tragic death has inspired a wave of digital tributes, raised critical questions about safety, and strengthened community resolve to prevent future violence.