If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the duo known as the Mullet Bros. Blake and Nolan Shofner, two brothers from Princeton, Illinois, became viral sensations not just for their business savvy, but for their incredibly close bond and dark, self-deprecating humor. However, a wave of searches for mullet bros nolan death cause has been flooding the internet, leaving many fans confused and concerned about the status of the younger brother.
Here is the thing: Nolan Shofner is alive.
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The confusion often stems from the nature of his condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, and the heartbreaking reality of the life expectancy associated with it. When people see a "Mullet Bros" video after a long hiatus or hear rumors, they often fear the worst. But as of 2026, the story isn't one of tragedy; it's one of beating the odds.
Understanding SMA and the "Death Cause" Rumors
The search for a "death cause" likely originates from old statistics. Nolan was diagnosed with SMA at birth. It’s a genetic disorder that attacks the motor neurons. Basically, the muscles don't get the signals they need to move, leading to significant physical disability.
Historically, the prognosis for SMA Type 1 was grim. Doctors usually told parents that children with this diagnosis wouldn't live past two years.
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Nolan is currently in his early 20s.
That’s a huge deal. He has literally outlived his original life expectancy by a factor of ten. Because SMA is a progressive disease, Nolan’s physical abilities have shifted over time. He uses a wheelchair and, more recently, has relied on a Tobii Eye Tracker to communicate. When fans see him using a computerized voice or notice he’s stopped breathing in old stories shared by Blake, the algorithm starts churning out "death" related keywords.
Why the Internet Thinks He Passed Away
Social media is a weird place. All it takes is one "Rest in Peace" comment on a video—even if it's meant for a totally different person—to trigger a search trend.
There was a separate, tragic incident involving a teenager named Nolan Gene Boyd who passed away in late 2023. Because they shared a first name and a significant social media presence in certain circles, the metadata got tangled. People looking for news on one Nolan ended up on the pages of the other.
Honestly, the Mullet Bros lean into the darkness of Nolan's condition. They make jokes about his "bones bouncing" or the "terrible roads" in Illinois. This brand of humor is their coping mechanism. It’s how they break the ice between the disabled and non-disabled communities. But for a casual viewer who doesn't "get" the joke, a video about Nolan’s physical struggles can easily be misinterpreted as a memorial post.
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The Reality of Life with SMA Type 1
Living with SMA isn't a walk in the park. Nolan has tried various treatments, including Spinraza and Evrysdi. These are groundbreaking drugs, but they don't work for everyone. Nolan actually had to stop taking them due to negative reactions.
This means his "battle" is purely about management and quality of life.
- Respiratory Support: SMA affects the muscles used for breathing. Blake has shared stories about watching their parents perform CPR on Nolan when he was younger.
- Communication: He has lost the ability to speak traditionally, which is why the eye-tracking technology is so vital for the "Mullet Bros" content.
- Entrepreneurial Drive: Despite the physical constraints, Nolan is the "dreamer" of the duo. He’s the one coming up with business ideas like their apparel line and their former ice cream truck, "2 Bros Chillin."
The Mullet Bros Business and Legacy
The brothers launched Mullet Bros Co. in July 2021. It started because Blake came home with a mullet, and Nolan decided he wanted one too. They realized the haircut was a conversation starter—a way to "bring people together," as Nolan puts it.
They sell hoodies, t-shirts, and hats, but the business is really about the message. They’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities like Speed the Light. They want to prove that you don't have to be "perfect" to run a business or follow a dream.
Staying Updated on Nolan Shofner
If you see a headline about the mullet bros nolan death cause, check the official sources first. The brothers are very active on TikTok and Instagram under the handle @mulletbrosco. If anything major happened, Blake would be the first to share it with their community.
Rumors like this can be incredibly hurtful to families, but the Shofner brothers tend to take them in stride. They’ve built their entire platform on the idea that life is short and you might as well have a laugh while you’re here.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Verify before sharing: If you see a "RIP" post, check their official TikTok for a recent upload.
- Support the cause: Consider looking into SMA research organizations like Cure SMA to understand the science behind Nolan's condition.
- Engage with the content: The best way to support the Mullet Bros is to interact with their videos, which helps fund Nolan's ongoing care and their business ventures.
The Mullet Bros story isn't over. It's a living, breathing example of brotherly love and resilience in the face of a condition that was supposed to take Nolan's life decades ago.