On Friday evening, the news of 17-month-old Assaf bin Yousha’s death sent a wave of sorrow across Saudi Arabia. Son of well-known social media personalities Musa bin Turki and Yusha Abdulaziz, Assaf’s untimely passing during a family visit triggered a flood of condolences and public mourning. His name quickly rose to the top of trending searches as millions grieved the loss of a child whose smile had become a familiar presence on Snapchat.
A life followed by millions
Assaf bin Yousha was born in April 2024 to Saudi influencer couple Musa bin Turki and Yusha Abdulaziz. The couple, who married in November 2021, had openly shared their journey into parenthood with their audience, drawing in more than 1.3 million followers on Snapchat. Since his birth, Assaf featured regularly in their posts, becoming known for his cheerful demeanor and playful spirit. His appearances resonated with audiences who followed his growth from infancy, and his presence became closely tied to feelings of joy and innocence. By the time of his passing in September 2025, Assaf had become an endearing figure to many, despite his young age of just one year and five months.
The incident: What happened on the day
According to accounts shared by individuals close to the family, the tragic incident occurred during a family visit to the home of Assaf’s maternal aunt. While playing, the toddler fell into the aunt’s swimming pool and drowned before anyone could reach him in time. Although neither parent has officially confirmed the cause of death, this version of events has been widely circulated and discussed across various social media platforms. As the story spread, it prompted broader conversations about child safety and the importance of implementing preventive measures in homes with swimming pools. The tragedy added to an ongoing discourse in Saudi Arabia surrounding domestic accidents involving children, particularly those linked to unsupervised water access.
A father’s farewell
Musa bin Turki announced the death of his son on Snapchat late Friday, September 12, using a message that echoed Islamic teachings of patience and faith:“To God we belong and to Him we shall return. To God belongs what He takes and what He gives, and everything with Him has a specified term.” He added:“My son, Assaf, has passed away. I ask God to make him an intercessor for his parents, a bird among the birds of Paradise, and to mend our hearts in a way that will astonish the people of the heavens and the earth.” Musa also shared details of the funeral arrangements. The funeral prayer was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon at Al Rajhi Mosque in Riyadh, followed by burial at Al Naseem Cemetery. Family, friends, and well-wishers were invited to offer condolences at the home of Musa’s brother, Abdullah, located in the Al Qayrawan neighborhood. Assaf’s death triggered a massive outpouring of grief on social media, especially among followers who had watched him grow up online. His name topped search engines and trended across Saudi platforms within hours of the announcement. Thousands of messages filled with prayers and sympathy poured in, offering words of support to his parents. The news not only shook their immediate followers but also resonated deeply with the wider public. For many, Assaf had come to symbolize innocence and familial warmth, an emblem of joyful moments shared on screen. His mother, Yusha Abdulaziz, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent Snapchat influencers, has yet to make a public statement following the tragedy. Known for her close connection with her audience, Yusha often shared personal moments from her life with Musa and Assaf, making the loss feel personal for many who had followed their story from the beginning.
