TikTok Comedian Steve Bridges Dead at 41

Comedian Steve Bridges -- known for his hilarious POV skits online -- has died.

His wife, Chelsey Bridges, announced the shocking news on his social media pages ... tearfully revealing he passed away in his sleep on their couch on Wednesday. The Peoria Police Department in Illinois tells TMZ ... they responded to a natural cause of death call at a private residence that day.

Chelsey tells TMZ his death was "totally out of the blue," even adding he had been feeling great recently as he worked on his diet and fitness.

However, she notes 3 of Steve's family members died young, with his grandma falling asleep and not waking up -- just like Steve -- when she was 52. She also says his father and grandfather both died young in their 40s.

Chelsey and Steve had been married for 16 years and shared 3 young kids -- a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old twin boys.

She describes her husband as a big dreamer who took his videos seriously ... telling us he had hopes of being on "Saturday Night Live" one day. She says the family was thankful for Steve's TikTok success because it allowed him to quit his job to focus on his comedy.

Steve has been sharing his skits -- notably with his popular deadbeat boyfriend character -- for several years, amassing 2.1 million TikTok followers.

But, Chelsey says regardless of all his success ... Steve found the most joy in being a dad.

Chelsey says there will be a private service for Steve and there is currently a GoFundMe fans can donate to if they wish help to the family through this trying time.

Steve was 41 years old.