On March 14, e-sportsman and twitch streamer Justus “Flobby” von Eitzen died at the age of 22. Fans and his private and professional environment are dismayed.
Warning: This article is about mental health and suicide. Please be mindful if these topics make you uncomfortable.
Who was “Flobby”? Justus von Eitzen was an e-sportsman and twitch streamer for the mobile game Clash Royale. Already in his childhood he loved strategy games and chess and was considered one of the best players in the world.
With his team from SK Gaming he took 2nd place in the fall season of the Clash Royale League 2018 and was able to reach 1st place in the QLASH League 2 in 2019. Flobby was a popular streamer on Twitch and was one of the most watched German channels on Clash Royale (via sullygnome).
As SK Gaming announced on Twitter on the night of March 14, 2023, the 22-year-old died as a result of a car accident that he apparently deliberately caused himself, after leaving his family a farewell letter (via Twitter).
Great sadness for Flobby
There are numerous expressions of condolence under the SK Gaming tweet. Content creators share their memories of Flobby and their encounters with the 22-year-old.
Among the mourners is the German Twitch streamer Domenic “Chefstrobel” Strobel, who also became known through Clash Royale. He remembered playing games with Flobby and calls for people to talk to people around them if they have problems.
Flobby, you were such a good hearted person. […] Tonight I think and cry for you. I hope you are doing well where you are, rest easy my friend. […] If you have problems, no matter what form, there are always people who can and want to help you. Talk to your family or friends, you can do everything together.
Chefstrobel via Twitter
Lucas “BigSpin” Nageler, also from SK Gaming, announced on Twitch that von Eitzen was in debt due to sports betting. Twitch streamer Marius “drecksuser” published a thread on the subject on Twitter.
The streamer spoke about his own experiences and the serious consequences of gambling addiction and criticized the ubiquity of advertising for sports betting companies.
Really crying over this topic right now. It makes me so sad, it’s always these everyday things, you just don’t see it in people, you really are powerless. It’s crazy how addiction, no matter what kind, can have people under control and drive them to such a decision.
via Twitter
He also encourages those affected to seek help and calls on them to take care of themselves and those around them.
You can find further offers of help on the homepage of the German Society for Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone close to you is addicted to gambling, you can call the BZgA’s advice line anonymously and free of charge on 0800 1 37 27 00.