In a heartbreaking twist that has left his followers stunned, Mormon YouTuber and podcaster Chandler "Chuck" David Hendry has died at just 27 - shortly after sharing a video reflecting on the afterlife.
Hendry, the founder of the faith-focused Restored Truth podcast, was killed following a three-vehicle crash in Lehi, Utah, on Friday, Aug. 7. Witnesses told police that Hendry drove through a red light before colliding with two vehicles that had the green light, according to KUTV. Authorities also said he was not wearing a seat belt. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other serious injuries were reported, and the crash remains under investigation.
But it is what Hendry posted shortly before his death that has made the tragedy especially haunting for his followers.
The young Latter-day Saint influencer had recently shared a video discussing the afterlife, inspired by an illustration he encountered while attending the FAIR conference. After news of his death broke, the clip took on an entirely different significance, with followers returning to his social media accounts and reflecting on the eerie timing.
Hendry had built a sizable online audience talking openly about his faith and defending the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His Restored Truth platform featured discussions about scripture, missionary work and Latter-day Saint beliefs, helping make him an increasingly recognizable figure within the online LDS community.
The tragedy is even more devastating because Hendry leaves behind his wife, AnaLynn Hudson Hendry. The couple were approaching their second wedding anniversary when the accident occurred. Friends, relatives and fellow faith influencers have since flooded social media with tributes to the 27-year-old.
A candlelight vigil was also organized in Hendry's honor as his religious community struggled to process the sudden loss.
For many of Hendry's followers, however, it is difficult to get past that final discussion about what happens after death. A young man who had made faith and eternity central themes of his public ministry was suddenly gone - leaving behind a video that now feels painfully poignant.
