Esports coach Michael 'Kyaaah' Belaya dies at 23
A sad news in the gaming community broke on Sunday as the death of Esports coach Michael Belaya, more popularly known as "Kyaaah," was announced.
Michael reportedly passed away on Sunday, April 18, at a young age of 23.
Michael 'Kyaaah' Belaya dies age 23 / Source: @ kyaaahgaming (FB)
No cause of death was disclosed but messages of condolences poured in for the late Esports mentor.
Michael was best known as the coach of NRX Jeremiah 29:11, who guided the history-making squad when they qualified for the Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) World Championship.
The team consists of Jerrold “Woopiiee” Regay, John Kenneth “KenDy” Pimentel, Kennedy “iDra” Mondoy, JC “Jayzee” Rivera, Benj “CRUSH” Trinidad, and Warren “WarrenTzy” Jadear.
Michael helmed NRX Jeremiah 29:11's win at the regional qualifiers last October 2020, when they beat Daivo FreeSlot of Thailand with a score of 3-2.
They were slated to compete at the 2020 CODM World Championships, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, game publisher Activision canceled the tournament and split the $750,000 prize pool to the seven qualified teams.
Michael and NRX Jeremiah 29:11 went on to compete in the ESL MSP Major and Garena Philippines Invitational in December 2020, where they finished as runners-up.
The last win that Michael had with NRX Jeremiah 29:11 was in early April of this year, where they won 4th place in the Garena Invitational.
NRX Esports announced Michael's death on their Facebook page on Sunday.
Their post reads, “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and clan master, Michael Belaya aka Kyaaah today, April 18, 2021."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with [his] family at this moment.”
NRX Gaming also posted a tribute to Michael on Sunday on Facebook.
The tribute post reads, “You will never be forgotten.
“Thank you, and we love you so much Kyaaah 🥺😔😭🙏🏼❤️ 'til we meet again ☝🏼🙏🏼”
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Take a look at some of the celebrities and personalities who passed away at a young age in the gallery below.