This is a sad day for the Star Wars community, superfan Daniel Fleetwood has succumbed to the cancer that ravaged his body. The news of his passing was announced by his wife via her Facebook. Let us take a moment of silence to remember Daniel.
The Wrap reports that on Tuesday, Daniel's wife Ashley confirmed his passing on Facebook, saying,"Daniel put up an amazing fight to the very end. He is now one with God and with the force. He passed in his sleep and in peace. He will always be my idol and my hero. Please hug uncle Marc for me and give Lucy lots of kisses. Rest in peace my love. This was the last selfie we ever took together. #forcefordaniel "
Seeing news like this reminds me of the eventuality of death, and the imperative need to live life to the fullest. For those of you that don't know Daniel Fleetwood, He was a 32 year old dedicated Star Wars, with one last dying wish.
Daniel was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma, a disease that afflicts the connective tissue in the body, in 2012. In July, doctors only gave him 2 months to live. The disease spread into his lungs, and when it became apparent that he would not live until The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, his wife launched #ForceForDaniel on Twitter. The campaign had hopes of getting Daniel his final wish, to get an early screening of The Force Awakens before he passes away.
Disney granted Daniel his last wish, much to the support of J.J. Abrams, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and John Boyega. They all tweeted comments about Daniel with the hashtag #ForceForDaniel. J.J. Abrams contacted Daniel about the screening, and showed him a copy of the film in his home last week.
It is truly a sad time for Star Wars cast and fans alike. Daniel loved Star Wars from a very young age, and it meant the world to him to get to see the sequel. May the Force Be With You Daniel.
