David Adam Williams, the YouTube personality known to hundreds of thousands of fans as "Adam the Woo," died unexpectedly at his Celebration, Florida, home on Dec. 22. He was 51.
Williams built a devoted following over nearly two decades by inviting viewers to join his daily adventures across America with his signature catchphrase, "Join me, shall you?" His travels took him to theme parks, Hollywood filming locations, and forgotten places that most people overlook.
The news devastated a tight-knit community of content creators and fans who had followed Williams' upbeat explorations for years.
He said Williams' parents, Jim and June, and his sister, Faith, have been informed.
When Khezri arrived at Williams' apartment and received no response to knocks or phone calls, he became alarmed. Khezri borrowed a ladder to check a third-floor window, where he saw his friend unconscious in bed, Moseley said. Police were called to the scene.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NTD on Friday evening.
Williams told his 760,000 YouTube subscribers near the video's end what a fun night it was, with a surprise from the Grinch, adding: "Thanks for watching, see you in the next video. The vlog … is over."
According to Moseley, Khezri had spoken with Williams on Sunday evening about their upcoming Christmas filming plans.
Williams had amassed more than 1 million followers across his two YouTube channels—"adamthewoo" and "TheDailyWoo"—through his genuine enthusiasm and friendly approach to sharing hidden corners of America.
"He was exactly the same in real life as he is on camera. No different," Moseley said. "Big guy, heart of gold."
Moseley described Williams as someone who never spoke ill of others and brushed off criticism with ease.
"He was a really genuine, caring guy. Never heard him say a bad thing about anybody," he said.
Willits said in his Instagram post that Williams' death "seems to have been peaceful and natural," though he asked people to avoid spreading unconfirmed rumors and to respect the family's privacy.
"Adam and I talked about this day so many times," Willits wrote. "I wish the world could have known the soft and generous heart behind the screen, the laughter and the tears 'backstage.'"
Willits said he spent the day after Williams' death speaking with numerous people close to the YouTuber, all of whom were processing the sudden loss.
"He touched many many lives, and he was preparing for another year of adventures," Willits wrote. "I'm telling you, from a front row seat; he was the best. One of a kind. Irreplaceable."
Khezri shared a photo of himself with Williams near the Hollywood sign in a Dec. 22 YouTube post.
"I never met you but always hoped I'd run into you at WDW," wrote commenter Maggie S. "The ripple effect of your videos spread farther and wider than anyone could imagine. The vacuum your absence has left is ginormous."
Another fan, Niel Aycock, credited Williams' videos with helping during difficult times.
"I have been watching Adam since 2010. He brought me so much joy over all these years," Aycock wrote. "His videos have even lifted me out of a deep depression."
Williams is survived by his parents and sister.