This isn’t my usual rock‑and‑roll fare. I typically dive into the rock superstars, the wild stories, and new music involved with our favorite genre. But today, I’m writing about someone who you may have never even heard of… but was part of my YouTube family. “KingCobraJFS“, was someone I barely knew but whose name lit up the notification feed one day.
It all started when someone commented on my GG Allin video, calling both GG and “KingCobraJFS” their hero. The next thing I knew, Cobra had subscribed. I didn’t know him, but I recognized him. And that little digital nod meant something. And now… I’m saddened to be writing this.
Who Was KingCobraJFS? The Goth Wizard of YouTube
Joshua Fay Saunders, known online as KingCobraJFS, passed away at just 34 years old on August 21, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming. The Natrona County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death and has ordered an autopsy. The full circumstances are still under investigation.
He carved out a unique corner of YouTube starting around 2011, with over 120,000 subscribers drawn to his raw authenticity—DIY experiments, gothic aesthetic, vocal covers, wand‑making, and unfiltered livestreams.
Shadows Behind the Spotlight
Joshua’s life was far from easy. He spoke openly about living with Asperger’s syndrome, battled alcoholism, and was mercilessly targeted by trolls… so much so that they often sent him alcohol as a cruel “gift”.
His father recalled Justin’s lifelong struggle with bullying: “From the time he was 3, it was just nonstop. It was like he had a neon sign that said ‘Please pick on me’.
The Final Hours and a Father’s Heartache
On August 21, Joshua was found unresponsive by his father, in his bedroom. Classified as an “unattended death” under review.
In a deeply emotional video (now deleted), his father reflected, “I got on today to delete all of his social media… because ‘f**k you’ is how I’m feeling. But I realized that would not be fair to his fans… and it’s certainly nothing he would want.”
The Internet Reacts: A Mix of Grief and Reflection
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans wrote heartbreaking tributes like:
“R.i.P King Cobra JFS, we lost the final goth today…”
“RIP KING COBRAJFS. It’s been a wild ride friend. Was always rooting for you big dawg.”
On Reddit, grief poured in:
“This is a heartbreaking video, this is such devastating news. rest in peace cobes…”
“He was just a dude trying to make the best out of a bad situation.”
These posts reflect the duality of fame online—intense adoration and relentless scrutiny.
Final Thoughts: A Digital Goodbye
To Joshua’s family, his friends, and his fans: my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. His content wasn’t perfect—but it was real.
If this post makes just one person pause before posting a cruel comment—or reach out in kindness—then it did what Joshua’s authenticity always did: connect.
This wasn’t the post I planned to write—but sometimes, the unexpected ones matter most.
Sources Cited
- Decider. “YouTube’s KingCobraJFS Dead at 34: Father Confirms Tragic Passing.” Decider, 23 Aug. 2025. https://decider.com/2025/08/23/youtube-kingcobrajfs-dead-father-video/
- The Economic Times. “KingCobraJFS’ Net Worth: How a Musician Battled Alcoholism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Still Made Millions.” The Economic Times, 23 Aug. 2025. https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/king-cobra-jfs-dead-at-34-casper-youtuber-once-devastated-by-ozzy-osbournes-death/articleshow/123465075.cms
- Indiatimes. “Who Was KingCobraJFS? YouTuber Joshua Saunders Dies at 34 After Years of Health Struggles.” Indiatimes, 23 Aug. 2025. https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/who-was-king-cobra-jfs-youtuber-josh-saunders-dies-at-34-after-years-of-recurring-health-struggles-due-to-alcoholism-667625.html
- The Express Tribune. “YouTuber KingCobraJFS (Joshua Saunders) Dies at 34.” The Express Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2562626/youtuber-kingcobrajfs-joshua-saunders-dies-at-34
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