Nautica Malone Called Brother Before Committing Suicide, Left Note For Wife
Nautica Malone was a 27-year-old man from Tempe, Arizona, who tragically ended his own life on January 11, 2025, following an incident that went viral on social media. Malone, a former varsity swimmer at Central High School in Phoenix, was caught on camera at a Bikini Beans Coffee drive-thru without wearing pants from the waist down, engaging in inappropriate behavior. This incident was recorded by a barista, who had her camera ready, suggesting that Malone might have been a repeat visitor with similar behavior in the past. After the video surfaced online, garnering millions of views, Malone committed suicide, an event which was later attributed by his family to the backlash from the video.
The incident at Bikini Beans Coffee involved Malone approaching the drive-thru window in a state of undress, leading to immediate confrontation by the staff who asked him to leave, deeming his behavior “unacceptable.” The video of this interaction spread rapidly across social media platforms, leading to significant public scrutiny and criticism. Malone’s family visited the coffee shop shortly after his death, expressing their grief and blaming the staff for his decision to take his own life. However, the owner of Bikini Beans Coffee, Ben Lyles, responded by offering condolences but emphasized that Malone had committed a crime and their priority was the safety of their employees.
Malone was remembered by friends and family as a dedicated husband to Victoria Malone and a loving father to their children, Nahlia and Vaughn. Tributes on social media highlighted his positive traits like kindness and integrity, contrasting sharply with the public perception following the incident. Despite the controversy, Malone’s death sparked discussions about privacy, mental health, and the impact of social media exposure.
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) and various web articles reflected a mix of sentiments, with some expressing sympathy for Malone’s mental state, others defending the action of the barista, and some questioning the ethics of sharing such personal and damaging content online. There were also mentions of a “gooneral” or vigil held for Malone, showcasing the varied public reactions to his death.
His obituary described him as a hard-working individual with a passion for family, basketball, and other interests, leaving behind a legacy of love and memories cherished by those close to him. The tragic end to Nautica Malone’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the profound effects of public shaming and the complexities surrounding mental health in the digital age.