Jimmy McMahan — known online as “Whyte Folkz” — died in a motorcycle accident on Jan. 19.

Influencer WhyteFolkz Dies in Motorcycle Accident.Credit : Whyte Folkz

The son of Jimmy McMahan — the Tennessee-based content creator known as “Whyte Folkz” — is breaking his silence after his dad died in a motorcycle accident on Jan. 19.

McMahan was driving a motorcycle near the intersection of Saratoga Road and Millington Road in Millington, a small city in the Memphis metropolitan area, when he lost control and struck two parked vehicles, per local outlets ABC24 Memphis, FOX 13 Memphis and Action News 5. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Today we remember a father who filled every room with laughter and love, my dad Jimmy McMahan,” wrote his son, Jimmy McMahan Jr., in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.

McMahan, a well-known internet personality in the Memphis area, maintained a following of over 120,000 on Instagram, where he was known for his comedic videos.

“He was the kind of man who spoke his mind without hesitation, yet always led with a caring and kind heart,” continues the creator’s son. “His jokes, quick comebacks, and playful spirit had a way of lifting people’s moods, even on the hardest days. Making others laugh wasn’t just something he did — it was who he was. A man whose presence could never go unnoticed. He always wanted to be seen, heard, and felt.”

McMahan’s son goes to remember his father’s love of parenting and the role he played in his children’s lives.

“My dad had a kind heart and a caring soul, and behind all the jokes was a man who loved deeply and as a father, his children were his greatest joy,” he continues. “His love for his children was fierce and unconditional. He showed up, protected, guided, and made sure his kids always knew how deeply they were loved. Whether through advice, humor, or simply being present, he gave his children a sense of strength and comfort that will never fade.”

Concludes the grieving son: “His voice, his laughter, and his love are forever etched into our hearts. Though he may be gone from our sight, his legacy lives on through his children, the memories he created, and the countless smiles he left.”

McMahan’s family opened a GoFundMe on the day he died to raise money for his funeral and memorial expenses, which had already amassed over $1,000 in three days.

“Whitefolkz was more than a brother — he was a son, a friend, and a light to everyone who knew him,” penned the internet personality’s brother, Joseph Johnson, in the fundraiser’s description. “His laughter, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten. He lived with passion and left a lasting impression on all our lives.”

In a post on Facebook, McMahan’s daughter-in-law Tonya remembered the late creator for “all the amazing memories” they shared together.

“To know my brother in law was an honor!” she wrote in the emotional tribute. “Never a dull moment, my stomach and ribs would hurt for days after spending a day with him! His heart was so big no matter who you were.”

McMahan seemingly last updated his social media accounts on Jan. 18, the day before the fatal accident, sharing a video to Instagram of him seemingly in the hospital.