Popular YouTuber Paul Harrell has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 58 – and announced his own death in a heartbreaking clip that he posted “behind his grave”.

“If you see me, I’m dead,” the Oregon-based content creator told his 1.14 million subscribers in a video titled “I’m Dead.”

The six-minute clip was filmed in December 2023 and his family released it after his death on Tuesday.

Gun rights activist Harrell made the tragic announcement while sitting on a log in a forest, the same spot where he first told his subscribers he had been diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer.

Popular YouTuber Paul Harrell has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 58 – and announced his own death in a heartbreaking clip

He had previously assured his fans that his cancer had been “detected early” and that he would “be here for some time yet.”

But in his posthumous video, Harrell described how his health was deteriorating.

“We noticed it early, but not as early as I thought,” he told his fans. “It spread faster than I thought. My time is running out.”

Harrell was forced to use crutches after breaking his hip, an injury he admitted was caused by cancer spreading to his bones and causing them to “crumble.”

The YouTuber sincerely apologized to his fans, who were shocked by his sudden death.

“I had hoped that I could continue in this format for the next 10 or even 15 years,” he said.

“Even after the diagnosis, I had hoped we would be here for at least another two or three years, but it turned out to be just a few months.

“I’m sorry. I feel like I’ve let everyone down.”

Fans flooded the comments section with tributes and thanks for the weapons expert.

Fans flooded the comment section with tributes and thanks for the weapons expert

“Even beyond the grave, the sense of humor is dark but appropriate,” wrote one fan. “We will miss you, Paul.”

“This is the worst notification I have ever received,” wrote another heartbroken supporter. “Rest in peace Paul.”

“Paul Harrell is the only person humble enough to apologize for his death. The world wouldn’t be the same without him,” one person noted.

Another said Harrell’s “final lesson” for her was “a master class in dying with dignity and decency.”

Harrell said his brother and the rest of the production team will continue to make videos about his legacy.

The clip ended with a message from his editor and manager Brad Nelson.

“I have had the great privilege of having Paul in my life and as a friend,” Nelson told viewers.

“He’s a very generous and friendly guy and he tells the best campfire stories.”

Harrell used his channel to advocate for gun owners’ rights and share knowledge about gun safety and accurate shooting.