Darin Nakakihara of La Palma, California, a retired high school teacher and widely followed advocate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness, has passed away after a courageous battle with the progressive neurological disease. His death marks the end of a deeply personal yet profoundly impactful journey that he chose to share openly with thousands of people around the world.
Nakakihara was diagnosed with ALS in 2023 after experiencing symptoms for approximately a year. The early signs reportedly began after a fall in his garage, eventually leading to further medical evaluation and confirmation of the condition. ALS, a disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, gradually took a toll on his physical abilities. Following his diagnosis, he made the difficult decision to retire early from his teaching career—a role in which he had long been respected for his dedication, patience, and ability to inspire students.
Rather than facing his illness in private, Darin chose to document his experience publicly through his social media series, “Die Trying Vlog.” His goal was not only to process his own journey but also to educate others and bring visibility to the realities of living with ALS. Through his Instagram account, @darin_nakakihara, he built a following of more than 140,000 people who connected with his honesty, vulnerability, and determination. His posts often included reflections on family life, updates on his health, and practical ways he adapted to everyday challenges.
On TikTok, one of his most widely shared videos—viewed over 17 million times—captured the progression of his speech over the course of a year, offering a powerful and sobering look at how the disease affects communication. He also openly discussed his prognosis, sharing that doctors had estimated a life expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis.
Darin Nakakihara is survived by his wife, Denise, and their three daughters, including Kendall and Madi. He is remembered not only as an educator and family man, but as someone who turned a devastating diagnosis into a platform for awareness, connection, and compassion.
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