Richard ‘Lowtax’ Kyanka, the founder of Something Awful, died at the age of 45.
According to sources, Something Awful creator Richard Kyanka, popularly known as Lowtax, died at the age of 45.
Former administrator of the humor website, Kevin “Fragmaster” Bowen, came to the online forum to announce Kyanka’s death.
Bowen stated in a post on Wednesday, “I suppose I should preface this by stating this isn’t a joke, particularly considering I’m writing for the first time in like 10 years or whatever, but I received the horrible news today straight from Rich’s family.”
“Lowtax is no longer with us. I didn’t ask for specifics. I’m not aware of any specifics. I’m not sure what Rich’s current thoughts are. I’m not here to answer inquiries; I’m here to share the news. I’m sorry to break the news to you. But there you have it.”
Friends also paid homage to Kyanka on his Facebook page, with many praising him for having a significant effect on online culture and helping shape it in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
According to the video game site Kotaku, Kyanka’s second wife verified his death by posting a comment on Something Awful under the moniker LadyAmbien.
LadyAmbien said in the post that Kyanka committed suicide. This is yet to be verified.
Something Awful began as a personal website for Kyanka in 1999, but it quickly increased in popularity and breadth.
The website is recognized for helping to develop and define internet culture, as well as early memes that acquired strength prior to the emergence of YouTube and other social media platforms.
It was also the site that popularized the Slender Man horror figure, a faceless entity that wears a black suit and follows its victims slowly.
Gizmodo’s list of “100 websites that influenced the internet as we know it” included Something Awful at number 89.
MORE: ‘Actor Peter Scolari ‘, who starred in ‘Newhart’ and ‘Bosom Buddies,’ has died at age of 66.
Kyanka was in charge of Something Awful until it was sold in October 2020, after charges of domestic abuse against him, which he rejected.
Kyanka pled guilty to disturbing the peace and was fined $164.50 on October 27, 2020, according to Vice. The charge of assault was dismissed.
According to Vice, Something Awful is currently controlled by a moderator and system administrator known as Jeffrey of YOSPOS.
According to Kotaku, after selling the website, Kyanka said on Facebook, “I just signed away the rights to Something Awful, farewell, good riddance.”
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Richard ‘Lowtax’ Kyanka, Something Awful Founder, Dies at 45
