Zach Sobiech Dies At 18, Leaves Behind Musical Legacy

Zach Sobiech, the terminally ill teen whose song “Clouds” became a viral hit on YouTube, has died after a four-year battle with cancer.

Sobiech was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was just 14-years-old. Last May, he received the grim news that he had exhausted all treatment options and likely had only one more year to live. Around that time, Sobiech began penning song lyrics, a discovery that was made by his mother when she found a crumbled piece of paper with the original lyrics to “Clouds.”

Eventually Sobiech threw himself into his music, and launched music videos on YouTube featuring his songs. “Clouds” became a viral hit on the video-sharing site, receiving over 3 million views. Earlier this month, celebrities led by The Office’s Rainn Wilson, made a tribute video to the resilient young man in which they lip-synced Sobiech’s moving song.

"It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son Zachary David Sobiech," his family said in a statement obtained by the Today Show. "Our family has been blessed not only by his amazing presence in our lives, but also by the love and support of our family and friends and by so many people in the community. In particular we'd like to thank those people who listened with their hearts and helped Zach bring his message and his music to the world."

Sobiech’s surviving family, which includes his parents Rob and Laura, and siblings Alli, Sam and Grace, asks that all memorials be offered to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund. All donations will be sent to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund on Sobiech’s behalf.

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