Fitness influencer and mental health advocate Chris O’Donnell, widely known by his online moniker “Creeohdee,” has died at the age of 31. His passing, confirmed on Saturday, January 11, 2025, has been ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Maricopa Medical Examiner. O’Donnell’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from his substantial online following and reignited crucial conversations surrounding mental health awareness.
Who Was Chris O’Donnell (Creeohdee)?
Chris O’Donnell built a significant presence across social media platforms, particularly on TikTok, where he amassed over 842,000 followers and 28.2 million likes, and on Instagram with over 241,000 followers. While known for his fitness content, including bodybuilding and workout routines, he often emphasized that fitness was “far from his passion.”
Beyond the Gym: A Passion for the Outdoors and Art
O’Donnell frequently shared aspects of his life beyond the gym, showcasing his love for the outdoors, travel, and his two dogs, Blue and Riley, who often accompanied him on adventures. He also expressed a deep appreciation for art in various forms, including photography, videography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and music, creating his own works in his spare time.
Advocacy for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness
A crucial part of O’Donnell’s public persona was his candidness about his personal struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He openly shared that he had been sober since 2018 and used his platform to advocate for substance abuse awareness, actively working to help others find the treatment they needed. He stated he had been outspoken about mental health since high school, hoping his transparency would assist others on their own journeys.
Openness About Personal Struggles
In a December 2022 Instagram post pinned to his profile, O’Donnell offered a “deep dive” into his background, revealing he was a two-time college dropout who had experienced many different “walks of life.” He described himself as a “very solitary person” who thrived on meaningful connections and lifting others up, despite the challenges of fully letting people in. He aimed to provide a “full field of view” of his life, acknowledging the curated nature of social media.
Reflecting on Mortality: O’Donnell’s Final Posts
In the months leading up to his death, O’Donnell’s social media content included poignant reflections on mortality. A November 2024 Instagram reel featuring hikes and offroading adventures was captioned with a thought-provoking question: “I wonder when I leave this earth, when I leave the rat race, when I’m lying in the dirt, if you’d remember my face.” In December, after a hike to Angels Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park, he shared a message: “In my dream, the angel said ‘Give up your attachments.’ To which I replied ‘They’re the only thing keeping me here.’ She leaned over and whispered ‘Maybe here is not where you’re supposed to be any more.'”
One of his last TikTok posts, shared on January 4, was a seven-minute video of him giving a speech at his brother’s wedding, which he described as “one of my proudest moments as a brother.”
Tributes and the Call for Awareness
Following the news of his death, fans and fellow influencers flooded social media and online obituaries with tributes, remembering O’Donnell’s infectious smile, adventurous spirit, and inspirational impact. Kevin Clevenger, a friend known as @ironsanctuary on social media, shared an emotional video montage, writing, “One day I’ll find peace in knowing you’re not in pain anymore, but today my heart aches that you’re gone. I love you.” Supporters praised him as an “incredible inspirational figure” who motivated them.
O’Donnell’s tragic passing at such a young age serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of mental health awareness and the critical need for accessible support systems.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
