Storm De Beul, a 22-year-old YouTuber from Belgium, tragically lost his life in a freak snowstorm while trekking alone in Lapland, Sweden.
Known for his outdoor adventure channel StormOutdoorsy, Storm had shared his love for the wild with over 1,300 subscribers.
Now, his father has made a heartbreaking vow: To retrace Storm’s final steps and recover his last recordings from the snow-covered wilderness.
What Happened to Storm De Beul?
On October 30, 2024, Storm De Beul was found dead after being caught in a devastating blizzard in the Jokkmokk region of northern Sweden.
While he had contacted emergency services to report his injuries and the worsening conditions, the storm made it impossible for rescue teams to reach him in time.
Before his tragic death, Storm shared chilling updates with loved ones:
- To a friend: “Tonight, it’s going to get worse. Jesus Christ.”
- To his grandmother: “It’s snowing heavily here. But don’t worry, I’ll survive, you know.”
Despite his optimism, the storm’s extreme conditions proved fatal. His body was discovered some distance from his tent, which had likely been blown away. His feet and lower legs were frozen, and his nose was broken, suggesting he had fallen.
Storm’s father, Bout, has vowed to return to the site in the spring, once the snow has melted, to search for his son’s missing camera. He believes it may contain his final recordings.
“His videos are a priceless legacy for us,” Bout told Belgian media.
“But now his camera is there, somewhere in the snow, full of images from his very last trek. I would love nothing more than to get it back. I know the chances are slim, but I have to try.”
Storm’s YouTube channel has become a place of tribute, with his last video surpassing 50,000 views as fans and viewers leave condolences. His family hopes to retrieve his final footage to preserve the memories of his adventurous spirit.
Storm’s mother, Elisabeth Rademaker, believes the conditions left her son with no choice but to leave his tent.
“Trees were uprooted that night—maybe his tent also blew away, and he had no choice but to start walking,” she said.
The -6°C temperatures, exacerbated by wind chill making it feel like -18°C, were brutal. Elisabeth added,
“He must have suffered for a long time and died alone. I keep imagining his last moments. It devastates me.”
Storm De Beul’s love for the wilderness was deeply rooted in his personality. “Storm was someone who had trouble connecting with people. He really liked being alone,” his father shared.
Storm’s adventures gave him a sense of freedom and fulfillment, allowing him to forge his own path in life—both literally and figuratively.
As Storm’s father prepares for his journey to recover his son’s camera, the world watches with hope. Will he find the final recordings, or will they remain lost in the wilderness?
Would you embark on such a journey for a loved one? How can we honor the spirit of adventurers like Storm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Averagebeing’s Take: Storm’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His untimely death reminds us of the risks adventurers take to pursue their passions. While the odds are slim, we hope his father’s mission brings closure and preserves Storm’s adventurous legacy.