Daniel Fleetwood, the “Star Wars” fan whose dying wish to see “The Force Awakens” was the subject of a viral social media campaign, died just days after seeing the new film.
Fleetwood's wife, Ashley, announced his passing on her Facebook page.
“Daniel put up an amazing fight to the very end,” she wrote. “He is now one with God and with the force.”
The 32-year-old Texas native was a massive “Star Wars” fan for most of his life, and camped out to buy tickets to the prequel movies. But after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he given just months to live in September. As his condition deteriorated, he worried that he wouldn't make it to the December opening of “Force,” and a local news station covered his plea to see the movie early. Social media took up for Daniel's cause, with the #ForceforDaniel hashtag getting support from “Star Wars” actors Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, and John Boyega.
Last Thursday, his wish was granted. Daniel got to speak with director J. J. Abrams on the phone, and a screening was arranged at his home.
Daniel was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma two years ago, according to the GoFundMe page his wife set up to cover his medical costs. Before he got sick, he counseled mentally impaired people.
“He will always be my idol and my hero,” Ashley wrote.