The creator of the YouTube channel King of Random, whose experiments and hands-on science tips have attracted 11 million subscribers, has died in a paragliding crash in Utah.

Key points: Thompson's videos range from filling a balloon with liquid nitrogen to making a laser-assisted blowgun

Thompson's videos range from filling a balloon with liquid nitrogen to making a laser-assisted blowgun They have been watched more than a billion times

They have been watched more than a billion times Last year he was charged over explosions in his suburban Salt Lake City backyard

Grant Thompson, 38, was found dead on Monday, Washington county police said.

The cause was being investigated.

Thompson's videos, which range from filling a balloon with liquid nitrogen to making a laser-assisted blowgun, have been watched more than a billion times.

Some were practical, like how to get better mobile phone reception, while others were whimsical, like building a raft from rice cakes.

His most popular video was about making gummy lollies in the shape of Lego blocks.

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Thompson made headlines last year after complaints about explosions in his suburban Salt Lake City backyard brought criminal charges.

He agreed to make safety-themed videos as part of a plea deal.

Many of his followers expressed their condolences, saying his unconventional approach sparked their interest in science.

In a tweet, YouTube said he was a "gifted, passionate and endlessly curious creator".

Thompson had been making videos since 2010.

AP