Daniel Fleetwood, who had an aggressive form of lung cancer, has died after being granted his dying wish to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The 32-year-old man became known all across the Star Wars universe after he launched efforts to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens before his terminal cancer ended his life. Thankfully, right before his tragic death, his wish came true.
Fleetwood suffered from spindle cell sarcoma, a rare connective tissue cancer, and in July, his doctors gave him only two months to live.
His wife, Ashley, confirmed his death in a Facebook post in the early hours of Tuesday, writing: “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,” wrote Ashley.
She ended the message with a photo of the couple together, wearing #forcefordaniel T-shirts, and wrote: “Rest in peace my love. This was the last selfie we ever took together.”
Fleetwood’s final request to see The Force Awakens had captured the hearts of fellow Star Wars fans and became a viral social media campaign, with thousands using the hashtag #forcefordaniel to help grant his wish.
Fleetwood had been a “Star Wars” devotee since he was a little boy, and was very much looking forward to seeing the next chapter in the iconic sci-fi series. With his condition worsening, doctors grew concerned he wouldn’t live to see “The Force Awakens” hit theaters on December 18, and an inspiring social media movement took off from there.
Amazingly, the campaign took off! Not only did Daniel received support from across the Star Wars fan community, but he got support from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and from the stars of the new film: John Boyega and Daisy Ridley.
The “Star Wars” fan’s last wish was to see “The Force Awakens,” and it was granted by Disney, Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams, who showed Fleetwood an unfinished cut of the film at his home last week. Abrams also called Fleetwood to deliver the good news, which his family said meant a lot to him.
