A Mighty Warrior has Merged with The Force

DanielDaniel Fleetwood has long been known as a fan of Star Wars. He was famously known to be camping at the front of the line for tickets. Unfortunately, as we all know, he fell victim to spindle cell sarcoma, a rare connective tissue cancer, two years ago. We are sad to say that the illness has taken him, and he passed a few hours ago.

 

daniel

His dying wish was to see The Force Awakens before the illness overtook him. Naturally, JJ and Disney made this wish come through, giving this fan a moment of joy in his final hours. In the true giving spirit of Star Wars fans, people from across the globe have reached out through the gofundme page dedicated to helping with the massive bills. The 501st legion, well known for their outreach for charity, even stopped by to make his final days as joyful as possible.

 

 

A 501rst member named Joshua Rhoads has a patch he designed, in coordination with the family, for Daniel that he is selling. All proceeds are going to the Fleetwoods to help with medical bills. info on the patch can be found here http://www.beefiedesigns.com/501st/ForceForDaniel.jpg    

 

Not surprisingly, I learned of his passing from another Star Wars cast member. Peter Mayhew, our lovable Wookiee, has been following Daniel’s progress closely. One can only imagine the mournful roar echoing in the heavens.        

 


 

Our thoughts are with Ashley and all of Daniel’s family. The galaxy has lost a shining star, and we are all saddened for his passing.

 

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99 thoughts on “A Mighty Warrior has Merged with The Force

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:15 pm
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    Rest in peace Daniel hopefully one day we will get to see you in heaven this man was able to because of the community to see the force awakens. Now Daniel can pass away peacefully. #forcefordaniel

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:22 pm
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    I had no idea that he would die so soon. Good thing JJ and Disney let him see the movie. I hate when bad things happen to good people.

    • November 10, 2015 at 2:50 pm
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      Bad things happen to good people because good people handle them well.

      • November 10, 2015 at 11:31 pm
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        Wise words, brother.

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm
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    Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter..be at one with The Force …I am glad your final wish came true.

    • November 10, 2015 at 2:50 pm
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      Yoda speaks a whole lotta truth in ESB.

    • November 10, 2015 at 2:54 pm
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      You ninja’d my comment below as I had to step away from the computer for a sec before posting. I’m leaving it up. It’s a great quote. 🙂

      • November 10, 2015 at 3:01 pm
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        That is why you fail

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:31 pm
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    R.I.P

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:37 pm
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    RIP Daniel… Quite shocking that he passed away so soon after seeing the film. Perhaps the longing for TFA was the very thing that kept him alive? And once he saw it, he could finally rest… forever sleep.

    • November 10, 2015 at 2:49 pm
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      It appears he has lost the will to live.

    • November 10, 2015 at 3:11 pm
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      Often that way, people hold out and hold out. My wife photographs weddings and a terminally ill Father of the Bride held on but passed away that same day.

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:39 pm
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    I’m so glad he got to see this.

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:03 pm
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      Your picture is disturbing…

      • November 10, 2015 at 9:06 pm
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        I dressed as Jareth from Labyrinth for Haloween. I’m sure you’ve heard of Labyrinth…or at least Halloween.

        • November 11, 2015 at 12:47 am
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          How is mentioning your picture being disrespectful and how was I supposed to know it was you dressed up a Jareth from a thumbnail picture that’s smaller than a nickel on my desktop? You’re the only one being disrespectful by acting like a tool because I didn’t recognize your Halloween costume, from a thumbnail, on a board with many people who dress up for events ALL year round and attach those pics to their profiles. In the thumbnail it looks like someone with 80’s hair wearing Jedi robes. Wasn’t meant as disrespect to Daniel, and wasn’t meant as disrespect to you in the beginning. Since you took it that way however and decided to respond by being a jerk instead of showing a little bit of class yourself, I feel sorry for you.

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:43 pm
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    I still can’t get over the fact that, when the #ForceForDaniel action was started, there was one guy that said “What’s so special about this guy that he gets to see it first.”

    It’s been so good to see everyone else support him and that he got his wish. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

    • November 10, 2015 at 3:03 pm
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      I pray that people never have to be touched by cancer. It doesn’t discriminate. It is brutal. The heartbreaking thing is seeing it take young and healthy people so quickly. I am glad Daniel got his final wish, doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking though.

    • November 10, 2015 at 5:46 pm
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      That was me, and it wasn’t a problem with him or “What’s so special about this guy that he gets to see it first.” I had problems with the WAY he went about it i.e. the public call to action as there are about a thousand other ways it could have been done. I am glad he saw it, and I am glad it gave him some semblance of peace. I don’t and didn’t ever mean to downplay the severity of his situation as it was something I wouldn’t want most people to ever have to go through (ex-wife not withstanding as I would very much like to watch her suffer…). People seem to think that I hate the guy or something which I don’t and have been clear about. I also know that I have no empathy for others (family and friends included) and it does cause issues here and there. But as stated, I am glad he got to see it, I am glad it brought him some peace, and I am glad that JJ/Dis/LF and everyone else involved took the time to make it happen.

  • November 10, 2015 at 2:52 pm
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    “Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter…” -Yoda

    Daniel, you were an inspiration to us all and your story really helped put things into perspective. It wasn’t about the movie, it was about a man. It’s the little things in life that make it so sweet. I’m glad JJ and Co. seized the opportunity to show Daniel the film last week.

    TFA will be around for a long time for the rest of us to enjoy time and time again, but Daniel was only with us a short while. As excited as I am for this film, people are what make the world go round. Rest in peace Daniel!

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:06 pm
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    So Sad, RIP Daniel.

    When this story first broke, I thought it was very touching, part of the pessimist in me was thinking he’ll probably make a miraculous recovery etc etc after seeing it. But this puts life into perspective, I am so happy that he got his wish and all the people involved with him seeing the movie and the 501st visit afterwards, you are all legends in my eyes.

    Rest in Peace Daniel, May the force guide you on your next adventure, always and forever x

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:13 pm
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    Such a sad story, RIP. I’m glad his final wish was granted.

    • November 10, 2015 at 3:54 pm
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      yep

    • November 10, 2015 at 4:57 pm
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      RIP Daniel, I think I can say for all the Star Wars fans that we felt like we knew you a little bit after the last couple of weeks, so happy your final wish was granted. When the movie opens next month and we’re in that movie theater about to watch The Force Awakens, we’ll think of you. May the force be with you!

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:14 pm
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    Rest in peace young soul. He has become more powerful than we can possibly imagine…

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:17 pm
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    Really sad about his passing, may he rest in peace

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:36 pm
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    Sad news. So soon after having his final wish granted. RIP big guy.

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:53 pm
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    FUCK! Life man…life. Have to look at positives. If you’re going to go out, go out seeing and doing stuff that mean the most to you.

    • November 10, 2015 at 5:03 pm
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      Appreciate every moment… why does it take the most sad/painful experiences to remind us of life’s fleeting joy?

      • November 10, 2015 at 6:21 pm
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        Don’t know why, but it does, and that’s why bad things happen to good people.

  • November 10, 2015 at 3:56 pm
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    At least we’re glad that his wish came true before he died…

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:08 pm
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    Poor, poor man. I’m glad he got to see The Force Awakens before he died though. Life is painfully fragile, we need to cherish every moment. I’ll think of him when I finally get to see the film myself. Hope it was everything he dreamed it would be.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:12 pm
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    This is so sad. I’m happy his last wish was made a reality. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:15 pm
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    Sooooo glad that he got to see the movie. RIP Daniel.
    🙁

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:21 pm
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    My thoughts go out to Daniel’s family. May they have love and strength to help them through their grief. I am happy that the Star Wars community and Disney/LucasFilm was able to help a dying man with his one last wish. May the Force with be Daniel and his family.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:21 pm
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    Rest in Peace Daniel. May the Force Be With You….. Always.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:39 pm
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    RIP #ForceForDaniel had heard Peter and JJ have been calling to check how Daniel was doing.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:41 pm
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    RIP Daniel. My deepest condolences to the friends and family.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:46 pm
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    This whole #ForceForDaniel has put things into perspective. Also like Maz says…Hope was not lost today; it was found. Daniel carry your hope on into the light side of the Force.

  • November 10, 2015 at 4:51 pm
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    Words kind of fail me right now. All I can say is I’m so glad Disney/JJ acted in time.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:14 pm
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    No. Mankind is petty, hateful, and spiteful. But there are good PEOPLE.

    • November 10, 2015 at 5:22 pm
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      Wordplay… Society is all the things you state and more… Man (on the other hand) is intrinsically kind. It is this Society, this “Culture” that we have developed that is all the terrible things you mention. Have faith in the goodness of your fellow “human beings” so wonderfully displayed in these pages, or you risk “falling to the Dark Side”…

      • November 10, 2015 at 5:34 pm
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        i am the dark side. There is no falling for me.

      • November 10, 2015 at 5:47 pm
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        Man is NOT intrinsically kind. Man is a selfish and violent species. Kindness is taught.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:23 pm
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    the Force was strong with that one! RIP Daniel.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:23 pm
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    very tragic and sad, I feel sorry for the wife, she handled it so well. such a strong woman

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:24 pm
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    Daniel allowed some of us to be better people by allowing us to work for a good goal on his behalf.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:39 pm
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    I said the before on another thread but, I am so proud to be a part of the Star Wars fan base. I know when I see The Force Awakens I will be thinking of Daniel and Ashley. Let’s continue to support Daniel by being there for hus wife Ashley via their fofundme page. Last week Daniel’s gofundme page was at $16500 with 250 donations. Today it is at $47500 with 1300 ish donations. Let’s rally for Daniel

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:41 pm
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    This bring a tear in my eyes, so sad to hear this. Was hoping he pulled thru somehow. A fellow fan has became part of the Force.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:43 pm
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    Props to Disney for showing the man the movie. There needs to be a system for this sort of thing so other people can do the same.

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:19 pm
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      I think it needs to be an organic thing. Once you systematize something it starts to lose value.

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm
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    No seriously, I actually hate the sunlight and normal house lighting hurts my eyes. I can’t go in direct sunlight without eye protection or my eyes burn so bad I can’t see. As for the force, the sith and their legacy is the only thing worthwhile…

  • November 10, 2015 at 5:52 pm
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    Your struggle will always be remembered, Daniel! It brought Star Wars fans together as a true community. It made us all stronger and willing to be more helpful to each other. Thank you!

    Just a heads-up: If someone from the SWNN team could edit the article, this is the actual GoFundMe fundraiser created by Ashley Fleetwood, Daniel’s wife: https://www.gofundme.com/e1tqh4

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:01 pm
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      Guys can you check this one’s profile? I get a strange feeling about this…

      • November 10, 2015 at 6:10 pm
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        Please, check it.

        And after that, fix the link.

        • November 10, 2015 at 6:18 pm
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          Soz Bro, just thought it was a bit fishy… my sincere apologies.

          • November 10, 2015 at 6:20 pm
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            Cool. No offense taken.

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:16 pm
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      We fixed the link. We were linking to the right page in our previous articles.

      • November 10, 2015 at 6:19 pm
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        Thanks, Viral! You guys are always very helpful!

  • November 10, 2015 at 6:04 pm
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    Put small children into a group and they start fighting over who gets what toys or who gets to be in charge. It happens quite literally the instant teachers or adults walk away.

    and no, not intentionally pushing buttons, just throwing my point of view out there for discussion sake.

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:12 pm
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      By the time that they are old enough for school they have already been indoctrinated by their family environment. Just mentioning “toys” reinforced my point… if children fight over who has what and/or who is the best, that is a product of their environment and/or upbringing… give every kid a toy and the majority will be satisfied… only the minority will attempt to dominate the others…

      • November 10, 2015 at 6:26 pm
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        When you say small children I think younger than school aged. Preschool or even younger maybe. I have a good friend that is the Owner and head of her own preschool/day care and it’s that way from the start. Kids together fight. Period. Some may not, but as a general blanket statement, I would argue that yes, they do. Even prior to being old enough to walk/talk/not sh*t themselves.

    • November 10, 2015 at 6:22 pm
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      I think you’re both right. Man is both naturally good and naturally bad. We choose which side we take.

      • November 10, 2015 at 6:23 pm
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        I’ll go with that…I choose evil.

  • November 10, 2015 at 6:14 pm
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    The Go Fund Me link in the article is wrong.

  • November 10, 2015 at 6:28 pm
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    Brought a tear to my eyes. So sad and sorry to hear this terrible news. God bless the family and may the force be with him 🙁 Forever.

  • November 10, 2015 at 6:46 pm
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    Not going to lie. I bawled when I read this. His story has affected me deeply, and his wife really did all she could to drum up support for him to see this movie as his last wish. Her devotion to him was/is inspiring. Godspeed, Daniel.

  • November 10, 2015 at 6:58 pm
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    We have lost one of our brothers today (one of our own) This is a very sad day. May The Force Be With You Always Daniel. R.I.P.

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:06 pm
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    I’m so glad he got to see the film…and without being insensitive, in the nick of time, too. Condolences to all his family and friends.

    • November 10, 2015 at 7:07 pm
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      And also so happy people at Disney et al did this for him.

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:22 pm
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    Remember, the Force will be with you, always.

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:26 pm
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    May he Rest in Peace! He is one with the Force now!

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:27 pm
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    R.i.p Daniel your fight has touched many. I am so glad you got to see the film of a franchise we share and love. Thank you Disney and co for making this happen.may for force be with you x

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:44 pm
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    “an energy field created by all living things, that surrounds and penetrates living beings and binds the galaxy together”…I find this a more satisfying explanation than traditional religions.

    • November 11, 2015 at 12:08 am
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      And then along came the PT… “Midichlorians live inside us, inside our cells… Constantly talking to us, telling us the will of the force”?… “The highest number of midichlorians, even higher than than Master Yoda…”? And there began George’s journey to the dark side…

      • November 11, 2015 at 12:42 am
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        Sigh…

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:49 pm
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    I knew there was a disturbance in the force, I was feeling depressed all day. It is almost like I knew a fellow fan died

    • November 11, 2015 at 2:08 am
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      Me too, except yesterday when I found out.

  • November 10, 2015 at 7:50 pm
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    As a cancer survivor and as a fellow SW fan, this story means a lot to me. God bless you, Daniel, and your family. Our time on this earth is so limited. But in love there is eternal life.

  • November 10, 2015 at 8:12 pm
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    Rest in peace, sir. I am glad that you were able to see The Force Awakens before your passing. My condolences to his friends and family.

  • November 10, 2015 at 8:19 pm
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    Clear skies to you, Daniel. I’m so glad that your ride had one last exhilarating loop for you before you pulled into the station. You will be remembered… always.

    “Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there…”

  • November 10, 2015 at 9:42 pm
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    RIP Daniel. The force will be with you… always.

  • November 10, 2015 at 10:02 pm
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    RIP brother. 🙁 You got your wish dude! You are the Force and we will feel it always! 🙂

  • November 10, 2015 at 10:06 pm
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    Talk about timing

  • November 10, 2015 at 11:02 pm
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    RIP Daniel, Didn’t know you for to long, however you showed the world we can all work together to make things happen. May you rest easy my friend. Take care.

  • November 10, 2015 at 11:35 pm
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    Sorry to hear the sad news.

  • November 11, 2015 at 12:22 am
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    This is deeply sad. I’m glad he was able to see the film before he passed.

  • November 11, 2015 at 1:01 am
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    He is now one with the force.

  • November 11, 2015 at 1:10 am
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    Its stuff like this that reminds me why Star Wars is special. Not everything can create bonds like this between people who’ve never met. RIP, Daniel.

  • November 11, 2015 at 1:59 am
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    My deepest condolences to his family. His story touched my heart and made me ever so grateful that my family and I have our health.

  • November 11, 2015 at 2:48 am
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    Very sad news and condolences to his family, I’m really glad he got his one last great wish though, that was a great effort by Disney and co.

  • November 11, 2015 at 4:01 am
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    This is some motherfucking bullshit right here. It didn’t look like he was going to make it but I was hoping he at least would till the film was actually released and was allowed to talk about it. At least he got to see it though and did not die alone either.

  • November 11, 2015 at 4:27 am
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    Daniel has been struck down, but has become something more powerful than any of us could ever imagine.

  • November 11, 2015 at 8:27 am
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    Died peacefully with a smile no doubt. Film a very powerful art form indeed.

  • November 11, 2015 at 8:39 am
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    If there is one thing Daniel taught us, it’s to be brave and speak up.
    Daniel is now etched into our minds and hearts forever and he will never be forgotten. We owe it to his legacy and to ourselves to always be respectful of one another because we never know when we will also need to speak up and reach out for help. Rest in peace Daniel. The force will be with you……….always.

  • November 11, 2015 at 12:14 pm
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    What an unbelievable story. A true Warrior.

  • November 11, 2015 at 4:37 pm
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    Unexpected tears this morning reading this…I don’t even know this guy. Maybe it is because I have went through what this woman has went through and is going through now. Fuck Cancer…….. I am so, so , so happy that he was able to see the Force Awakens in time. J.J Abram’s is a hero. I hope he was given some spoilers for 8 and 9 and passed knowing how it all unfolded. November 10th will be a day long remembered in the SW community! May the Force be with you Daniel!

  • November 11, 2015 at 7:53 pm
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    🙁

  • November 12, 2015 at 12:24 pm
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    R.I.P. Daniel, very glad to hear Disney/Lucasfilm granted the wish. I hope he enjoyed the movie as best he could considering his circumstance.

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