Man in viral 'How Does a Homeless Man Spend $100?' video dies of alcoholism

[Liberal_in_LA]

Sad.. 50k was raised for him after the video went viral



http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-homeless-man-in-viral-video-dies-20150623-story.html
homeless man who was filmed in a YouTube video using a $100 gift to buy food for others has died of chronic alcoholism, coroner’s officials said Tuesday.

Kenni Thomas Nickel, 56, died May 28 of chronic alcoholism and natural causes, said Ed Winter, L.A. County coroner spokesman.

Nickel was the subject of a social experiment, created by filmmaker Josh Lin in December 2014, to test what someone would do if given $100.

The heartwarming video featuring Nickel went viral, garnering more than 38 million views on YouTube.


Nickel was holding a sign asking for money on a freeway offramp in Fullerton when he was given $100. He entered a liquor store and walked out with a bag of groceries, which he shared with others in need.

[think]

1. Very sad to hear.

R.I.P Kenni Thomas Nickel

[Stardust]

2. So very sad. I wonder what impact the $145k (per the LAT) influx had on his final six months...

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. 145k! I hope he didn't use the money for drink.. probably did

[etherealtruth]

3. Alcoholism is a terrible disease

It can destroy absolutely wonderful people (and those that love them)

[Skittles]

6. it took my brother

he was so intelligent and organized and kind but alcoholism took everything

[etherealtruth]

7. I am so sorry

[hifiguy]

5. Uff da.

That is a terribly sad story.