#ForceForDaniel: Daniel Fleetwood, Terminally Ill Fan Who Saw ‘The Force Awakens’ Early, Dies At 32

Daniel Fleetwood, a Star Wars “superfan” who was granted his dying wish of watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens before his death, died this morning at 32.

#ForceForDaniel: Daniel Fleetwood Dies At 32

Fleetwood had been suffering with spindle cell sarcoma in the past couple months and was told by doctors in July he only had two months to live. Fleetwood well surpassed that timeline in hopes of staying alive for the release of the new Star Wars film upon its release on Dec. 18. Seeing that his condition had worsened through October, his wife, Ashley, started a social media campaign, with the hastag ‪#‎ForceForDaniel‬ in hopes of Disney and Lucasarts could possibly show the film to Daniel before time ran out.

With the help of millions of supporters including Star Wars cast members Mark Hamill, John Boyega and Carrie Fisher, Disney granted Fleetwood’s wish in screening an unedited version of the film from the comfort of his own home. To give the exciting news was none other than director J.J. Abrams, who called Daniel’s house to inform him that he would be watching the film.

Earlier this morning, his wife took to her Facebook page to inform the world of her husband’s passing, 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”

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will open worldwide on Dec. 18.