The Journal. In Crypto’s Darkest Corner, A Suicide Became a Meme Coin
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May 1, 2025 
Kevin Dugan, a WSJ reporter delving into the culture of finance, recounts the tragic story of Arnold Haro, who livestreamed his suicide with a wish for his death to inspire a meme coin. Dugan explores the unsettling transformation of personal loss into financial ventures, highlighting ethical dilemmas in the cryptocurrency world. He sheds light on Haro’s struggles with mental health and the chaotic rise of meme coins, reflecting on the commodification of grief and its implications for both investors and victims' families.
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Arnold Haro's Tragic Live Stream
- Arnold Haro live-streamed his suicide while playing Russian roulette.
- He requested his followers to create a meme coin if he died, which they did swiftly.
Meme Coin From Tragedy Soars
- The meme coin named after Haro quickly soared to $2 million in value.
- This exemplifies how financial infrastructure can turn anything, even tragedy, into an asset.
Arnold Haro's Complex Life
- Arnold Haro led a volatile life, dealing with depression and part-time drug activities.
- Online, he was known for edgy humor and a quirky video that went viral.