One look at Martyn Hett's Twitter and Instagram profiles and you know why he accrued so many followers. Hett's posts showcased a talent for comedy through self-deprecation and celebrity fandom, especially when it came to "Coronation Street" star Deidre Barlow and Her Miminess, Mariah Carey.
Hett was one of the victims of the May 22 bomb that went off after Ariana Grande's Manchester concert. Just a few days prior, the Telegraph pointed out, Hett's co-workers threw him a send-off party, as he had planned a two-month trip across America. Hett, his family said in a statement about the attack, "just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time."
In his profile, Hett boasted of meeting Carey ("My life peaked when I met Mariah Carey" was the exact quote), and several of his Instagrams were dedicated to multiplatinum singer in various stages of her career.
Last night, Carey posted a special tribute to Hett, resharing a photo he took of himself wearing a t-shirt from her 2000 "Rainbow" tour.
"Devastated to learn that one of the victims in Manchester was part of the #Lambily. RIP Martyn Hett," Carey, who refers to her fans as "lambs," wrote. "We will cherish your memory forever. His family and all the families affected are in my thoughts and prayers. MC"
Just last year, Hett shared a ticket he purchased for Carey's "Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour" at the same arena.
Hett's friends and family asked for the public's help in finding him via social media after the explosion. Finally, Hett's brother posted an updated to Twitter: "They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken."
The family called Hett an "icon" in their lives, adding that his "infectious laugh and his niche sense of humour will stay with us forever. He lived for every moment of every day and fitted an entire lifetime of memories into 29 years. Whilst they have taken the life out of Martyn, no one can, and ever will, take Martyn out of our lives."