KNOWN as Apetor by his YouTube audience, Tor Eckhoff has died at the age of 57 years old.
Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang has alleged that the death occurred on Saturday, November 27, 2021. But how did Tor die?
Who was Tor Eckhoff?
Tor was a well-loved and known content creator on YouTube.
Born on November 22, 1964, he celebrated his 57th birthday mere days before he passed.
His YouTube channel, named “Apetor” was created on October 10, 2006, and flaunts 1.21 million subscribers.
Tor used his channel to document his adventures, from his road trips to his boat rides.
He would also share clips of himself enjoying a sunset or trying his hand at walking on thin ice.
While the majority of his videos were filmed in Norway, he has been seen taking trips around the world, particularly in New York.
How did Apetor die?
Tor passed away on the morning of Saturday, November 27, 2021.
He was demonstrating his skills on ice sheets, on the Jakobs Dam in Kongsberg, a day prior when a massive crack in the ice pulled him in.
The incident occurred while he was filming the daredevil walk for the purpose of a YouTube video.
Tor was rushed to the nearby hospital of the Ulleval region after locals heard his cries of distress.
He unfortunately died a day after being hospitalised at the age of 57.
Speaking to Verdens Gang, his partner Tove Skjerven shared her pain, saying: “We miss him terribly much, and it is a loss that will never let go. He has been everything to me and to our son.”
Taking to Facebook in a heart-breaking post, she went on to describe in detail what had happened the day Tor feel through thin ice.
“My dearest Tor. Friday the 26th. November was just a regular Friday.
“You went to a water near Kongsberg, and you looked forward to skating. You should also film a little, which you should use in a video on YouTube.”
“You messaged me when you arrived, with pictures of yourself and the water. Nice relationship, you wrote.”
“But something went horribly wrong. You ended up in the ice water, and this time you didn’t get back up, like you did so many times before!”
“In the end, you were picked up by divers and sent by air ambulance to Ullevål hospital.”
“They did everything they could to bring you back to life, but you had been underwater for too long.”
“On Saturday night John and I were with you when the doctors in the hospital turned off all the machines that kept your body going.”
The message posted to Apetor’s Facebook page also reads: “Thank you for all you have been to Johannes and me. We have endless good memories, and we miss you so indescribable!”
Tor’s death has left his subscribers as well as other adventure content creators in shock.
This is not only due to the saddening news of Tor’s passing.
What was the I Am Not Dead video?
Tor’s accidental death took place five days after he had posted his last video on YouTube.
On November 22, 2021, he celebrated his 57th birthday with a video entitled “I Am Not Dead, I Am 57 Today”, which was filmed in Sandefjord, Norway.
In the video, Tor showed himself in a bath outside, with the number 57 written on his head, as he was drinking several shots of vodka along with “tea liquor.”
Tor also filmed himself kissing a tree and wearing a plastic bag over his head.
Ironically, this video was filmed with the purpose of reassuring his fans about his well-being, which was a habit of his.
Every year, Tor would post a video assuring his fans he was not dead for his birthday.
Subscribers have paid tribute to Tor in YouTube comments and social media following the news of his death.
“We will never forget the joy you brought us”, one YouTube user wrote.
“Warm thoughts to the family!”
“May his soul rest in peace”, wrote another.
“Rest in peace you absolute legend, you will be missed very much.”