A new season of Investigation Discovery’s ‘Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders’ will delve into the tragic story of TikTok star Cooper Noriega, who passed away at the age of 19. The series will explore the events leading up to his untimely death, which has been linked to an accidental drug overdose.
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On June 9, 2022, Noriega’s family and friends became increasingly concerned when they could not reach him and his location became untraceable. After checking his last known position with the Find My Friends app, they set out to find him. Sadly, when they arrived at the scene, they discovered Cooper’s lifeless body in a parking lot in Burbank, California.
An exclusive preview from the season’s premiere reveals poignant accounts from those close to him, including his sister, Parker Noriega. She recalls sending her brother a text that morning, typical of their daily communication. “Hi, I love you. What are you doing today?” she remembered saying. The last message she received from Cooper was an affirmative response about their father’s birthday, followed by his request for her to pick out a gift. Shortly thereafter, he ceased all communication.
As the narrative unfolds, other friends of Cooper recount their last interactions with him. An influencer known as Sevryn explained he received unusual messages from Cooper in the hours leading up to his death. Hunter Moreno, a close associate from Los Angeles, described waking that morning with an inexplicable sense of dread. He reached out to others for updates before deciding to search for Cooper himself, eventually enlisting Parker’s help in tracking him down.
Their search took a harrowing turn when they received a phone call from Treva Noriega, Cooper’s mother, who was understandably distraught. “She just screamed,” Hunter recalled. “It’s a sound you’d think only exists in movies.” This gut-wrenching moment reflected a depth of anguish that only a parent could truly understand.
The newly launched season is titled “Waiting for the Darkness,” offering viewers an insight into the difficult circumstances surrounding Noriega’s final moments. Shortly before his death, he had been active on social media, sharing a video with a concerning caption: “Who else b thinking they gon die young af.” This foreboding statement added an eerie context to his tragic fate.
In the days leading up to his death, Cooper had also announced intentions to create a Discord server aimed at fostering discussions about mental health, an issue he felt passionate about. This was significant, as it highlighted not only his struggles but also his genuine desire to connect with his followers facing similar issues. “If you’re really into getting your emotions out, or whatever, come join,” he encouraged in a TikTok clip. His sincerity in addressing mental health had resonated with many, and his loss left a profound impact on his community.
‘Deadly Influence’ aims to shed light on how the complexities of social media can intertwine with real-life challenges, leading to both success and tragedy. The series will be available to stream on HBO Max, allowing audiences to engage with the stories of those affected by the darker aspects of social media fame.
As viewers prepare for the premiere, the narrative surrounding Cooper Noriega serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities that accompany internet celebrity, particularly among young influencers navigating both public perception and private struggles. The stories captured in this season of ‘Deadly Influence’ resonate with those who recognise the challenges that modern social media can pose to mental well-being.