Influencer couple die in off-road accident while traveling through wilderness
Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, the pair behind the Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, died on August 7 in the mountainous region near to Trout Lake in British Columbia.
The pair had over 200,000 subscribers and more than 72,000 Instagram followers who they kept updated on their explorations through North and South America.
As confirmed by Stacey's mother in a heartbreaking social media post, Stacey and Matthew died together in an off-road accident 'in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia that they loved so much.'
Collen Tourot wrote: 'Please keep us and them in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this devastating end to an amazing Love Story.'
Stacey and Mathew's claim to fame was building the 'world's first Land Cruiser Chinook in 100 days,' according to their YouTube bio.
The custom vehicle combines the body of a Toyota Chinook camper and a Toyota Land Cruiser to essentially create the perfect camper for off-roading.
It is unclear if the couple were driving the Land Cruiser when the fatal crash occurred.
While the cause of the incident is unconfirmed, Mark Jennings-Bates of Kaslo Search and Rescue (SAR), told CBC that they likely lost control of their vehicle on the rocky route.
He was also unsure if they were filming their trip when the accident occurred.
The search and rescue team was alerted that there was an alarming incident at around 7:30pm on the day Stacey and Matthew died.
Jennings-Bates said 'teams were able to get to them efficiently' and one of the victims was found dead on site.
The other was transported to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their critical injuries.
In light of the devastating loss to their loved ones and the international online community they have built, social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes, remembering the ambitious duo.
Shaun, the creator behind The Story Till Now YouTube channel, wrote: 'They were so young and full of life, so talented, and this is a huge loss for our off-road community, their friends and family, and the world.'
He explained that while he never met them in person, he often spoke with Matthew on the phone.
Shaun revealed that the last time he had spoken to Matthew was the day before he and his fiancee died. Shaun's jeep broke down, and he was 'trying to figure out how to get it home.'
He continued: 'We joked about how we would have finally met up the next day if not for my Jeep breaking down, but talked about getting some firm plans on the books for a trip next month.
'They tragically passed away that very next day in an accident, and I'm just devastated over it.'
Another off-roading creator, Colin Stuart who runs the Dirt Theory channel, said he was with the couple when the horror unfolded.
On Facebook, he wrote: 'I was with them when it happened and did everything in my power to save them.
'Those were the hardest 20 hours I have ever lived. The hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
'I'm sorry to all that this has affected. This is a big loss for the off road community and a bigger loss to Matthew's and Stacey's family and close friends.'
In a tear-jerking obituary written for the couple, they were described as the 'heart and soul' of the off-roading community.
Amid this harrowing tragedy, Jennings-Bates has warned people to proceed with caution when it comes to off-roading.
Speaking to CBC, he said: 'You're not on a highway, you don't need to wear a seatbelt, but it's always good to use the safety devices that are built into the equipment to help protect you as well.'
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