‘Star Wars’ fan dies days after special viewing

JON HERSKOVITZ

AUSTIN: A terminally ill Texas man and Star Wars fan who was granted his dying wish to see the new The Force Awakens film before it comes out in cinemas has died, just a few days after viewing the movie, the man’s wife said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Daniel Fleetwood, 31 and afflicted with a form of cancer that spread to 90 percent of his lungs, was able to watch an early cut of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film, due in cinemas on December 18, his wife Ashley Fleetwood said.

Disney said the screening for Fleetwood had taken place last Thursday and that “all involved were happy to be able to make it happen”.

“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,” Ashley shared.

Fleetwood’s wish to see The Force Awakens went viral on social media with the hashtag # ForceForDaniel, which garnered the support of Star Wars actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and newcomer John Boyega.

Hamill tweeted he was “elated” that Fleetwood had been able to see the film. – Reuters