Teen YouTube sensation remembered at funeral

AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas teenager whose YouTube videos inspired viewers worldwide during his shortened life has been remembered at his funeral in Austin as someone who loved life — and God.

Ben Breedlove died Christmas Day of cardiac arrest at age 18. He'd suffered from a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's a disease that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood properly.

Dying teen leaves touching YouTube video
Video: Teen posts YouTube message days before death

Breedlove created a series of videos in which he offered relationship advice and talked about his health. He described having three near-death experiences, including one at the age of four in which he said he saw a big bright light above him while he was being wheeled down a hospital corridor on a stretcher. His experiences left him convinced of the existence of God and life after death.

At Thursday's funeral service, Gateway Church pastor John Burke said that Breedlove "loved life and he loved God," and expressed the hope that everyone can find the same peace he had found.

Breedlove's sister Ally called the day a celebration, and said she was wearing the earrings her brother had given to her for Christmas.

At the family's request, the service was streamed live by TV station KXAN on its website.

[silviaplanchett]

Just another kid who offered nothing but a non-verbal short webcammed video on YouTube which was full of grammatical errors and highly indicative of the Texas school system. He saw god because most folks raised in Texas are taught to see god.

"Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?" Douglas Adams

[Lindag10]

A truly kind spirit who handled what life gave him with grace and beauty. Vaya con dios, Ben.

[bjm011366]

Ben your video touched me deeply. I know you are very happy now.

[tmittelstaed]

You can see and feel a lot of different things when your hallucinating. And when your brain is oxygen-deprived you most definitely hallucinate. I am happy that this kid had a painless death surrounded by his family and the video did bring tears to my eyes, but no comfort. Because, you see, the video overwhelmingly conveys that Ben had accepted his condition and had given in, and wasn't fighting it. I was in a situation similar to this years ago, and it never entered my mind for a second to give in, I fought it, and I beat it.

[Nuff__said]

Your an idiot.

[pak31]

I agree with nuff. You didn't know this boy and you don't know that he gave in, you are assuming. You have no proof that he was hallucinating either. How do you fight a heart condition? He didn't give in, he was at a comfort level because he knew that God existed(in his mind)and it put him at ease. Maybe that is why God took him, he was ready.

[ojossogood]

Thank you for this video. I believe there is life after earthly death. I also believe you are with the Lord and His Son. You are in heaven and free of all this earthly torment.

RIP Mr. Breedlove.

[jeanigal2]

I am so sorry for your loss. Please go to You Tube and watch this video, it will give you and your family much comfort. A preview of the new world on You Tube