TikTok Mourns The Sudden Passing Of Beloved Howie The Crab

Howie the Crab, the beloved TikTok sensation, known for wearing hats and using sign language, has passed away, leaving fans heartbroken.

Howie, nearly 10 years old, gained a devoted following with videos showcasing her unique antics, from enjoying snacks to pinching kitties. Her owner, Laura Porter, shared the sad news with followers on Tuesday evening, expressing gratitude for the love and support Howie received over the years.

The shock of her sudden passing is felt around the world and fans have been flocking to social media to pay their respects to the sweet little crab.

If you listen closely, you'll hear TikTokers from all over the world crying after learning the sad news that their favorite TikTok crab has passed away.

Her passing appeared to be sudden, although Porter did warn fans and followers that Howie wasn't acting normal a day before she died.

In one video, Porter explained, "Howie wasn't in the mood for playtime today. I was lucky enough that she let me put a hat on her. Some days Howie is a little crabby. Howie has crabby days when she starts to get closer to her molt time." And in a follow-up video, she shared, "OMG Howie lost a leg! One minute she's fine and then I look in her tank to see a random leg on the bottom. She has never suffered limb loss before. Crabs can regenerate limbs but this is not good."

Porter shared the sad news of her beloved crab's passing on both Instagram and TikTok.

"I am completely broken. I cannot begin to tell you how much she meant to me. Howie passed away peacefully, with dignity, and in comfort," she wrote in her caption. "I hope that our message continues to resonate with the world. Crabs are sentient and feel pain. Never boil crabs or any animal alive. Howie was old, and this was the natural end to her extraordinarily long life."

She also thanked everyone who's reached out to her during this rough time.

Her video on TikTok quickly went viral and currently has more than 1.7 million views.

More than 26,000 loving and supportive messages currently fill the comment section of the post announcing Howie's death.

"And on this day, Howie donned her last hat. A golden halo floated above her, glimmering in a pale, yet warm, light. She waved a final farewell, reached for one last fluff-filled pinch, and scurried into the light. She waits at the end of a rainbow path, greeted by animal lovers of the past, to send her beloved caretaker her next soul to spoil. Until that day, Howie watches, peacefully," one person emotionally wrote.

Another follower shared, "I am so sorry.  I watched multiple molt seasons holding my breath and always cheering so loud and crying tears of joy when she came through. Thank you for sharing your best friend with us."

One other fan emotionally shared, "Howie and the Anglerfish were met at Rainbow Bridge by Steve Irwin and boy I know he would be happy to see such amazing and loved animals."

Many fans on both TikTok and Instagram shared tributes for the beloved crab. An artist, who goes by Goblin Grimm on Instagram, shared an "art request from a fan."

Porter reshared the emotionally charged art on her Instagram page captioned, "I know I'm not alone in my grief. I am receiving thousands of messages, tribute fan art, pictures, and videos. This picture of Steve Irwin and Howie has me weeping. It's so beautiful. ***This was made by @goblingrimm. You can find them on IG, Bsky, Threads or the username goblingrimmgifts on TT***"

One follower wrote, "She meant so much to millions this is such an amazing tribute her new hat is beautiful…. I have been crying thinking of how beautiful she looks in it." Another added, "Oh my heart. And now I’m crying again. Sweet little Howie!!"

Porter has been sharing her adventures with Howie with the world for some time now on social media. She quickly gained tons of followers who loved to see all the smart crab can do. Porter even taught Howie how to use sign language!

The world seemed to come together every time Howie molted, and Porter shared much of her molting in livestreams on TikTok. Fans literally held their breath as Howie geared up to molt as each molt became more and more scary because of her advanced age. And every time she successfully molted, you could hear the cheers around the world, as well as a huge sigh of relief.

Porter's mission was always to help educate the masses about crabs being sentient and she's successfully done that in an entertaining and heartwarming way. Howie will be missed by so many, but she will never be forgotten, and the lessons Porter has shared will live on for an eternity.

RIP, Howie. Laura, we all mourn with you.