Social media influencer Paul Kim has shared the heartbreaking news that his five-year-old son, Micah, has died after a severe bout of influenza.
A Father's Heartbreaking Announcement
The devastating update was posted by Kim on his Instagram account on New Year's Day, 2026, confirming the young boy passed away on New Year's Eve. In an emotional video, the influencer described the loss as the most difficult experience of his life, a pain he said "continues to be" overwhelming for him and his family.
Eleven-Day Fight for Life
Kim revealed to his followers that his son had been courageously "fighting" his illness for "11 long hard days" before tragically losing his life. The influencer expressed immense pride in his son's strength throughout the ordeal.
"We are so proud of him," Kim stated in the video. He also took a moment to thank his online community for their support, saying, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart as his dad, on behalf of my family, for all the ways you guys prayed and lifted us up during this time."
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
The influencer characterised the period as an "incredibly difficult, impossible time for our family." His public acknowledgment of this personal tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from his audience and fellow content creators online.
This tragic incident underscores the potential severity of seasonal flu, particularly in young children. Health authorities consistently urge vaccination and prompt medical attention for vulnerable groups when flu symptoms appear.
