Dumb Money: How did Keith Gill’s sister die?

Dumb Money tells the true story of the Reddit GameStop saga, inadvertently kickstarted by Keith Gill. But how did his sister die?

David and Goliath tales are the perfect blueprint for movies, and in 2021 — at the height of the pandemic — we witnessed one unfold in real time as people banded together to take on Wall Street. That story is brought to life by the Dumb Money cast.

After hedge funders took massive shorting stock bets against failing GameStop stocks, YouTuber and small-time investor Keith Gill did the opposite, sinking his life savings into the company and posting about it. A modern-day battle characterized by memes, money, and mayhem followed.

This is the subject of Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money, which dropped on Netflix. As well as centering on the GameStop saga, it delves into the life and mind of Gill, whose sister tragically died. 

Dumb Money: How did Keith Gill’s sister die?

In Dumb Money, the family explains the death was described as “unexpected,” which is true.

Keith Gill’s sister, Sara Gill, died on June 25, 2020, at age 43. But the cause of death wasn’t stated in Sara’s obituary. Dumb Money stuck to the true story there.

Some unconfirmed reports have suggested her death was related to COVID-19.

Waitt Funeral Home

It read, “Sara E. Gill, 43, of Brockton, died unexpectedly on June 25, 2020. Sara was a graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School and attended Massasoit College. ‘Miss Sara’ was a paraprofessional in special education, working at West Junior High School. Creative and computer savvy, she loved helping the students with projects and science fairs. 

“Sara was well known in her community, having also worked as a cashier at Tedeschi’s on Belmont St. for many years. She was loved by all and will be missed. Sara was the beloved daughter of Steven G. and Elaine M. (Buckley) Gill; loving mother of Tyreek, Isaiah, and Jayden; sister of Keith Gill (and Caroline), Kevin Gill, and the late Brenda Gill; aunt of Evelyn Rose. Sara also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.”

During Keith’s iconic testimony at the GameStop hearing — the one in which he declared, “I am not a cat,” referring to his online alias Roaring Kitty — he explained, “We had an incredibly difficult 2020; most difficult was the tragic and unexpected loss of my sister Sarah in June. I am grateful to be in a position to give back to, and support, my family.” Reports state that Sara’s three children were taken in by their grandparents.

Dumb Money is available to stream on Netflix now. For more, find out why is Dumb Money rated R, check out our Craig Gillespie interview, or read our Dumb Money ending explained