Dr. Robert Murray-Smith, a celebrated inventor with over half a million YouTube subscribers, died by suicide shortly after releasing a farewell video on September 26, 2025. The 62-year-old, who lived in Herne Bay, scheduled the video to air the day following his death, leaving his audience in shock and mourning.
In the poignant clip, titled “My Last Video,” Dr. Murray-Smith expressed gratitude to his 579,000 subscribers and reflected on the journey of his channel, Thinking and Tinkering. He noted that the content had become “a little repetitious and, well, boring,” indicating a desire to “finish on a high.” He shared heartfelt thanks for the support he received over the years, saying, “I want to thank everybody. I want to thank you very much for being subscribed, very much for watching, and very much for being members.”
Dr. Murray-Smith, who showcased innovative DIY projects such as off-grid batteries and furnaces, had built a reputation as a “genius” inventor known for empowering others to create. His brother, Dave Smith, later confirmed the tragic news, stating that Dr. Murray-Smith had been struggling since the death of his wife, Patti, two years prior. Dave explained that his brother’s mental health had recently declined, compounded by physical health issues that affected his mobility and contributed to his depression.
Prior to the announcement of his death, followers expressed their appreciation for Dr. Murray-Smith’s work. Many shared uplifting messages, with one user stating, “God bless you, Robert! Not for your channel, but for who you are. Your spirit shines bright.” Another added, “You’ve touched the lives of millions, and that’s an awesome feat.”
The impact of his loss resonated deeply within the community he built over more than a decade. Comments flooded in, with individuals sharing how his tutorials had been instrumental in their lives. One user mentioned that Dr. Murray-Smith’s videos had helped him create heaters while he was homeless, underscoring the profound influence he had on many.
Community and Legacy
In a subsequent video posted on October 7, Dave Smith spoke candidly about his brother’s struggles. He explained that the family had attempted to engage Dr. Murray-Smith about his mental health but faced challenges in connecting with him. “If ever you ask Robert how he’s feeling, he would say, ‘I’m fine. Everything’s fine,’” Dave recalled. He emphasized that despite the joyful demeanor portrayed in Dr. Murray-Smith’s videos, there was “misery underneath all that.”
To honor his brother’s memory, the family is raising funds for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which focuses on mental health awareness, particularly among men. Dave remarked on the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, saying, “Men typically find it next to impossible to talk about their feelings, particularly when life isn’t going quite as well as we might want.”
Dave also plans to compile a video featuring some of Dr. Murray-Smith’s best work, allowing his legacy to continue inspiring viewers. The video announcing his death has already garnered significant attention, with over 203,000 views, demonstrating the enduring impact Dr. Murray-Smith had on his audience.
As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, thousands have left messages of condolence and admiration. One comment poignantly stated, “Robert was a genuine genius and cared for the world. He sparked many great ideas.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, support is available. The Samaritans can be reached 24 hours a day at 116 123, or via email at [email protected]. For those in need of support, CALM offers assistance at 0800 585858 or through their webchat service from 17:00 to midnight every day.
