Ohio influencer Emily Hanson-Miller, known to her followers as ‘ThriftyFatty’, dies at 37

Ohio influencer and content creator Emily Hanson-Miller, known to her over 100,000 followers as ThriftyFatty, has died at the age of 37. She passed away on November 5, 2026, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office and her wife in a video posted to Hanson-Miller’s TikTok account on November 10. No cause of death has been disclosed.

The Columbus-based Hanson-Miller was known for sharing entertaining videos, lifestyle content, travel experiences, and snapshots of her life on TikTok and Instagram. Her content embraced the importance of being oneself without worrying about societal expectations. In her final Instagram post on November 2, Hanson-Miller talked about grief and wrote, “[…] I started posting on socials years and years ago because I was so determined to be vulnerable and make sure no woman out there ever feels like they’re on an island.”

Tributes quickly poured in for Hanson-Miller

Hanson-Miller seemingly had a positive impact on a number of people, as tributes poured in from both people she knew in real life and her followers. Many recalled her compassion, joy, and how happy she made them.

Friend and fellow creator Jordan Nicole shared a touching tribute on Instagram. They said, “We laughed so hard together, frequently both silently shaking with giggles while wiping tears from our eyes.” They continued, “I don’t even remember how I met her, just that one day she was there and felt like she always had been. And always would be. I’ll miss her forever and would give anything to laugh until we lose our breath with her one more time.”

Follower Hannah M. wrote on Hanson-Miller’s wife’s TikTok video, “I am sorry for your loss. She was such a joy and it was a beautiful gift for us to be on her journey with her. sending love to you.”

According to a graphic posted on Instagram by Rumours Bar in Columbus, a memorial service will be held for Hanson-Miller on November 15 to celebrate her life. Rumours captioned the graphic with, “Emily never met a stranger. She had a joyful spirit and loyal and loving aura about her. She would want this day and all memories of her to be filled with laughter and song and drinks and friends. So that’s what we’re gonna do.”

Hanson-Miller isn’t the only well-known influencer to die recently

Hanson-Miller isn’t the only well-known influencer to pass away in recent months; this year has seen several online creators leave us. All of these people are gone far too soon, but the community, connection, education, and joy they shared with the world will live on.

Among those influencers who passed in 2026 were Ecuadorian conjoined twin influencers, José Luis and José Armando Cevallos, who died on October 15 at the age of 27 after one of the twins had a heart attack. TikTok star Brooke Eby, who shared her journey with ALS, also passed away at the age of 37 earlier this year.

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