Fitness influencer Carly Faye Douglas, who documented her battle with cancer for a large social media following, has died at 36, three months after publicly sharing her diagnosis.
Douglas had built a following of more than 138,000 on Instagram, where she shared content focused on fitness, home organization, and motherhood. She is survived by her husband, David, and their three children, River, Faye, and Townes.
Over the following months, Douglas shared updates with followers, including videos documenting chemotherapy treatments and hospital visits.
The post announcing her death portrayed Douglas as a deeply faith-driven person who remained hopeful throughout her illness. “Carly fought cancer with grit and determination; while being full of hope and always pointing anyone who would listen, back to God,” the post stated. It also described her as “joy personified” and said, “To be known by Carly Faye, was to be loved by Carly Faye.”
The statement added that “being River, Faye, and Townes’ mother was her greatest honor and joy,” and also described her relationship with her husband as “deep and wide” and highlighted her close bond with her parents, especially her mother.
Friends and followers responded in the comments, sharing personal reflections on her life and influence.
Madeline Custer wrote that Douglas’ faith and priorities remained steady even after her diagnosis. “You didn’t have to change your life or realign your priorities when you got a cancer diagnosis—not many people can say that,” Custer said. “One of the last things you said to me was you don’t want anyone angry at God because of what’s happening to you.”
Another commenter, Kerry Swain, said she began following Douglas shortly before her own mother was diagnosed with cancer. “Carly was such a light in this world,” Swain wrote, adding that she understood “the sadness & emptiness” the family must feel.