Beloved fitness influencer mom Carly Douglas dies just three months after ‘nightmare’ cancer diagnosis

BELOVED fitness influencer Carly Douglas has died aged 36.

The married mom-of-three died just three months after revealing she had been diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer.

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Carly, who built a loyal following by sharing workouts, health tips and family life online, died on June 13 after a heartbreaking battle with the illness.

Her devastated family announced the news in an emotional post on Instagram, where Carly had more than 137,000 followers.

They wrote: “On June 13, 2026, Carly Faye Douglas stepped into complete glory, in her final resting place.

“She met her Maker and Savior face to face, and her arms are full with her two Heaven babies.

“Carly fought cancer with grit and determination, while being full of hope and always pointing anyone who would listen, back to God, the One who held her in the palm of His hand.”

The South Carolina mom had stunned follower in March when she tearfully revealed doctors had discovered a large bleeding tumor in her stomach.

At the time, Carly described the diagnosis as “living in a nightmare”.

Despite the devastating news, she remained determined to keep fighting.

In a video posted on March 24, while wearing a hospital gown, she said: “I think I’ve walked through every stage of grief possible, but one thing that has never left is just this overwhelming sense of peace that I’m going to be okay and that I’m gonna fight.

“I have to for my kids and for so many people I love. I just know that the Lord is going to sustain me every step of the way. I’m so lucky and so appreciative for the village I have. I’m going to beat this.”

Carly went on to document chemotherapy sessions, hospital visits and the realities of her cancer fight for supporters online.

Her family remembered her as a source of constant joy.

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“Carly was joy personified, pure sunshine. It felt as though her smile was permanently stitched on her face and her laugh was constantly waiting to bubble out of her,” the tribute said.

“To be known by Carly Faye, was to be loved by Carly Faye.”

Carly is survived by her husband David and their three children, River, Faye and Townes.

The family said motherhood was at the centre of her life.

“She treasured her children and savored every moment with them, soaking up every last drop of giggles and hugs until the very end,” they wrote.

“Being River, Faye and Townes’ mother was her greatest honor and joy.”

The tribute added: “The Carly-sized hole left in her family and friends’ lives will never be filled. But, we do not grieve without hope.

“We know she is whole, complete, and the most joyful, radiant version of herself.”

Less than a month before her death, Douglas shared a heartfelt post thanking the friends who had rallied around her during her illness.

“Adult friends are wild: one day you hardly know these people and the next day, you are actually ‘living’ with them,” she wrote on May 23.

“Experiencing the ups and downs, talking through marriage and parenting struggles, praying through health scares and baby colds, asking potty training questions and working through family heartaches.”