Mystery over death of TikTok star ‘exploited for likes’ by public who treated her ‘like a clown’ – as woman arrested
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COPS are probing the death of a TikTok star who became a social media sensation thanks to videos of her singing to strangers. Keeley Thornton, 34, was beloved in her home city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and would often be filmed singing a version of club classic Freed from Desire by passersby.
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She would also make friends with drunk university students and videos of her singing I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado would get up to 800,000 views online. Tragically Keeley, known online as "Sheffield Keeley", died in hospital on Tuesday. She was found unconscious in the Arundel Gate area of the city at around 6.15pm.
A 47-year-old woman was on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and released on bail. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said Keeley's death is currently being treated as "unexplained.". Tim Renshaw, chief executive of the South Yorkshire city's Archer Project, claimed she was "exploited" by social media users.
He told the BBC: "Just for likes, that's what it comes down to. They exploited her just for likes.". Tributes have been paid to Keeley after her death by locals who interacted with her in the city centre. Mart Donnelly, 29, described her as "a ray of sunshine", adding: "Every time I used to see Keeley in town, she was a joy of sunshine.
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