SOMERVILLE, N.J. – A TikTok star who gained fame after sharing her brother’s struggles with substance use disorder has been murdered. According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Maryrose Fealey, age 27, died from multiple stab wounds outside of a residential complex in Somerville, New Jersey on January 30th.
A reporter from My Central Jersey reached out to Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke for comment because Fealey was featured in a Grieving Out Loud podcast episode.
“I’m deeply sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Maryrose Fealey, who played a significant role in raising awareness about addiction and supporting her brother’s recovery,” Kennecke told My Central Jersey. “Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges and stigma associated with substance use disorder and the importance of supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.”
In addition to sharing her story with millions of people on social media, Maryrose and her brother, Ian, were also featured in an eye-opening documentary. Brut Documentary followed the brother and sister for almost a month while Ian suffered through withdrawals and cravings.
“At the end of the day if he ever wanted to shoot up heroin, there was nothing I could do to stop him,” Maryrose said on Grieving Out Loud.
Maryrose also founded the 4 The Younger Me movement, which worked to change the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and empower youth.
“I love my brother so much. It’s difficult just to have that feeling the entire way through of the person you love the most you can’t help. Noone gets it. I wanted people who have a similar story as me to be able to be like, ‘Oh, I can relate to her,’” Maryrose told Grieving Out Loud.
Authorities have not yet arrested anyone connected to Maryrose’s murder. If you have any information, please contact the Somerville Police Department at (908) 725-0331 or the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100.