Renowned as a culinary sensation on TikTok, Lynn Yamada Davis, aged 67, has passed away, as confirmed by her son through a heartfelt social media announcement. His poignant words conveyed the tranquility of her final moments, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends and family.
According to Davis’ daughter, Hannah Mariko Shofet, the cause of her demise was esophageal cancer, disclosing this detail to The New York Times.
A poignant video shared on social media by Davis’ son unfolded a visual narrative of her life journey—capturing her childhood, academic pursuits at MIT, culminating in a degree in civil engineering.
He fondly remarked on her cool demeanor, showcasing images of Davis embracing motherhood with pride, raising a professional soccer player as her older son. The visual journey extended to their family kitchen and glimpses of Davis engaging in a remarkable feat—completing eight marathons.
As a mother of four, detailed in a profile by the MIT Alumni Association, Davis initiated the “Cooking with Lynja” series alongside Tim, her youngest child. The content initially saw gradual follower growth until a TikTok video featuring a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich propelled her to viral fame in 2021.
With a substantial online presence boasting close to 30 million followers across diverse platforms, Davis crafted extravagant cooking videos, often infused with humor shared among her children. On TikTok, her audience of 17.8 million witnessed her tasting global cuisines, though she predominantly showcased her culinary skills from the comfort of her home.
From tackling wagyu steaks with a witty take on their hefty price tag to enjoying sandwiches with her feet dipped in a kiddie pool, Davis maintained a charming grandmotherly presence. The alter character, “Little Lynja,” occasionally made appearances, offering amusing admonitions or culinary guidance.
Recognizing her digital influence, Davis received a Streamy Award in 2022, acknowledging her excellence in the realm of online video.
In a poignant conclusion to Friday’s video, her son affectionately termed her the “internet’s grandma,” emphasizing her unparalleled impact. Expressing gratitude for the shared joy in creating videos, he bid farewell, acknowledging the immense fun they had over the past couple of years.