LONG BRANCH, N.J. — A rising TikTok personality, 18-year-old Chrystofer Whyte, was fatally shot earlier this month while visiting the popular Pier Village boardwalk in Long Branch, New Jersey. Authorities confirmed Whyte was killed on the evening of June 12 in a shooting that has shaken both the local community and his online fan base.
Whyte, known to his 100,000 TikTok followers as @hi.imchrys, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering a gunshot wound. He had shared a video to his account just hours before the attack, capturing what would tragically become his final post.
Arrests Made in Fatal Shooting
On July 1, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the homicide:
- A juvenile male, whose identity has not been released due to his age, has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a firearm, and related offenses.
- Dwayne Exilus, 18, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, faces multiple charges including conspiracy, unlawful possession of a handgun, and hindering apprehension.
The juvenile is being held at a youth detention center. Exilus is in custody awaiting a detention hearing. Officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive.
Tragic Final Moments
Whyte had been at the beach filming videos when the incident occurred. In one of his last TikToks, he appeared relaxed, lounging in a beach chair with a caption that read, “Stay away from people that ignore you until they need you.”
Just one day before the shooting, he posted a message filled with optimism:
“I’ve just got this crazy confidence that everything will work out in the end.”
Those posts have since gone viral, drawing a wave of tributes and heartbreak from fans who followed Whyte’s content, which often included motivational messages, humor, and relatable commentary on teenage life.
Community in Mourning
Whyte, a recent graduate of Woodbridge High School, was remembered as a talented athlete and a kind-hearted student. He played both football and wrestled for his school, and according to Coach Joseph LaSala, “Chrystofer was respectful, driven, and a real leader on and off the field.”
Friends describe him as funny, charismatic, and deeply ambitious, with hopes of turning his social media presence into a long-term career.
“He had a spark,” said one friend. “He wanted to make people laugh, and he wanted to be someone.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Whyte’s death, including what led to the altercation and how the suspects may have known the victim. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring full clarity to the case.
In the meantime, the influencer’s death has sparked renewed conversations around youth violence, online fame, and safety in public spaces. His death marks a tragic end to a young life that many believe was just beginning.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office or Long Branch Police Department.
In Summary:
- Victim: Chrystofer Whyte, 18, TikTok influencer (@hi.imchrys)
- Incident: Fatally shot on June 12 at Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ
- Suspects: One juvenile charged with murder; Dwayne Exilus, 18, charged as co-conspirator
- Status: Investigation ongoing; motive not publicly confirmed
- Community reaction: Widespread mourning across social media and local community
Whyte’s final words — a mix of hope and caution — now echo across the internet as a painful reminder of a life cut short.
