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AUSTIN, Texas — A funeral service was held Thursday in Austin for a teenager whose inspirational YouTube videos earned him a following of tens of thousands of people from across the globe.
Related: Ben's video
Texas teen leaves heartfelt message before Christmas death
Click on the link above to view Ben's final YouTube message about heaven.Ben Breedlove died on Christmas Day of a lifelong heart disease, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was 18 years old.
During the last two years of his life, Ben posted regular videos on his YouTube Channel talking about his experience, his faith, and even offering practical dating advice.
At his request, the church which hosted the service offered a live stream so his fans around the world could watch.
While some mourners wore black at Thursday's service, Ben's big sister, Ally Breedlove, chose to wear vibrant colors.
Don't let your happiness go away because Ben is gone. Take that little part of joy that Ben shared with you and share it with someone else who hasn't had the chance to experience it yet.
–Ally Breedlove, Ben's sister
"Today I'm wearing the earrings that Ben gave me for Christmas, and I pulled the brightest colors I could find out of my closet to match it, because today is a celebration of the joy Ben brought to our lives."
Family and friends had nothing but great things to say about Ben. They called his smile "infectious," his life "full of energy and love," and his personality "accepting of everyone."
"I know a lot of you are hurting a lot because you miss Ben," Ally said. "But don't let your happiness go away because Ben is gone. Take that little part of joy that Ben shared with you and share it with someone else who hasn't had the chance to experience it yet."
Ben was an active kid as well. He loved water sports — especially surfing — so his friends plan to make a special surfboard with a cross to ride in his honor.
