The entertainment community is heartbroken by the sudden loss of TikTok influencer Jacinda Jenkins, who passed away at the age of 28. Her mother, Emily Kocik, shared the incredibly sad news, leaving her daughter’s many followers in shock.
“This is absolutely the worst thing I’ve ever had to do,” Kocik shared in a heartfelt TikTok video on Wednesday, October 1. She asked everyone to remember Jacinda for her true self. Emily spoke of Jacinda’s big heart and how kind she was. She always helped others, even when she was going through tough times herself.
Emily chose not to give any specific details about the circumstances of Jacinda’s death. She made it clear that there was no one to blame. “No questions need to be answered right now,” she stated firmly. Emily emphasized that the most important thing was to remember Jacinda for who she truly was.
A published obituary from Cooper Funeral Home confirmed Jacinda’s passing was “sudden.” The family kindly requested donations to any Humane Society or Mental Health Awareness organization instead of sending flowers. Emily added that Jacinda was always “unapologetically herself.” She wanted people to focus on all the good things about her, not on past issues or recent events.
Jacinda had built a thriving online presence, gathering over 200,000 followers on TikTok. Beyond her social media fame, she was also a dedicated businesswoman. She was the proud owner of Harper’s Haven Boutique.
Jacinda Jenkins Courtesy of Jacinda Jenkins/TikTok
From her home in Kentucky, Jacinda sold custom shirts and clothing items. She used online stores like Etsy and Shopify to reach her customers. She named her boutique after her daughter, Harper, showing her dedication as a mother. She also had another daughter, Dax.
In what would become her last TikTok post before her passing, Jacinda updated her followers on her life. Posted on August 15, she shared that “we haven’t been on here for a while, guys.” She then mentioned that her daughter had recently fractured her arm.
Emily Kocik also spoke about the profound grief felt by those closest to Jacinda. “This has been terrible, truly terrible,” she expressed on TikTok. “No parent should ever have to go through this. I hope no parent ever has to. She was my only child. She was my only daughter and now I don’t have her.”
Jacinda Jenkins Courtesy of Jacinda Jenkins/TikTok
In a separate TikTok video, Emily urged followers not to post anything disturbing that family members might read. She also mentioned that a public celebration of life is being planned. However, the actual funeral services will be kept private for close friends and family only.
“I’m thankful that we got to see her a couple of weeks ago,” Emily shared, her voice full of emotion. “We’re doing everything we can to bring her back home.” She pleaded with everyone to “please, please, remember to hug your loved ones so much tighter: your kids, your grandkids, whoever, because there is no pain like this. There is none.”
Jacinda’s online obituary quickly filled with touching messages from friends and fans. Many spoke of the “immeasurable void” she left in the hearts of her family, friends, and the wide community she cared for and inspired. The obituary beautifully concluded, “Her spirit lives on — in every person she helped feel seen, in every word of encouragement she shared, and in every creation that bore her unique touch. Her legacy is one of love, authenticity, and unwavering strength. She will be deeply missed and remembered forever.”