RIP DANIEL FLEETWOOD

We lost one of our own today, as Star Wars fan DANIEL FLEETWOOD passed away today at the age of 32.

You may have heard Daniel's name recently as it was in the geek news a lot this past month. Daniel was the terminally ill fan, suffering with the rare Spindle Cell Sacoma. Back in July, doctors gave him approximately 2 months to live. Like many of us, Daniel was a huge Star Wars fan since childhood. He was very excited to see the movie "The Force Awakens" in December, but with the bleak outlooks from doctors, he feared he wouldn't make it in time but was holding on as much as he could in order to hopefully see the film. A social media campaign began (#ForceForDaniel) with huge support from fans and actors of the series, such as Mark Hamill, Carrie Fischer, Josh Boyega and "Force Awakens" director JJ Abrams. And on November 5, Daniel's Star Wars Wish came true! Disney and Lucasfilm held a private screening at his home, where he watched a 4-hour in-progress cut of the film!

After the private screening, Daniels' wife, Ashley, posted a thank you:

“I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen, thank you beyond words!!! May the force be with you all.”

Sadly, earlier today and 5 days after having his Star Wars Wish come true, Daniel passed away. Ashely posted on Facebook:

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. ‪ - See more at: http://www.thewrap.com/daniel-fleetwood-first-star-wars-fan-to-see-the-force-awakens-dead-at-32/#.dpuf

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. - See more at: http://www.thewrap.com/daniel-fleetwood-first-star-wars-fan-to-see-the-force-awakens-dead-at-32/#.dpuf

"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."

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. ‪ - See more at: http://www.thewrap.com/daniel-fleetwood-first-star-wars-fan-to-see-the-force-awakens-dead-at-32/#.dpuf

I'm glad Daniel was able to get his Star Wars Wish and see the movie while there was still time. The International Star Wars Fandom mourns his loss. My condolences to his friends and family.

I like that Ashley said he was with the Force now. That seems fitting. He is also now part of the Star Wars Phenomenon as the first fan to see "The Force Awakens" and as someone who brought a community together during the immense excitement and anticipation we all share.

Rest in Peace, Daniel.
May the Force be with You. Always.

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. ‪ - See more at: http://www.thewrap.com/daniel-fleetwood-first-star-wars-fan-to-see-the-force-awakens-dead-at-32/#.dpuf