Cancer-stricken Aquaman superfan, 8, dies nine months after he went viral over video showing him excitedly unwrapping figurine of his favorite superhero, prompting surprise FaceTime call from Jason Momoa
A cancer-stricken eight year-old whose love of Aquaman went viral and prompted a call with movie star Jason Momoa has succumbed to the disease.
The viral superfan, named Danny Sheehan, passed away at his home in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Sunday after a courageous four-year battle with pineoblastoma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
Danny's parents, Dan and Natalie Sheehan, announced his death on the family Facebook page, 4TheLoveOfDanny, Boston ABC affiliate WCVB reported.
'Just after midnight, while in our arms, Danny took his last sweet small warm breaths and took flight,' they wrote in the heartbreaking tribute. 'Surreal and utter heartbreak can't even begin to describe this feeling inside.'
Danny with his father, Dan, who paid tribute to his son on Facebook after his passing on Sunday
They added, 'We will be so sad, but you can send us rainbows and butterflies and ladybugs to say hi. We will snuggle again soon.'
Daniel, who was a superhero die-hard fan, had initially gone viral in November last year after he was filmed excitedly unwrapping an Aquaman figurine that he had received from a Christmas photographer.
'Oh my gosh, my favorite one!' Sheehan exclaimed in the adorable clip. 'AQUAMAAAAAAAAAAN!!!'
The heartwarming video caught the attention of Momoa, who plays the sea-dwelling superhero in the DC flicks 'Justice League' and 'Aquaman.' The 41-year-old movie star decided to FaceTime his eager young fan, who said he was 'so excited' to be talking to his hero.
Jason Momoa was an idol to Danny Sheehan who had battled Pineoblastoma since 2017. After Danny's passing, Momoa paid tribute to his biggest fan on Instagram, writing: 'I just found out this heartbreaking news. All my Aloha to this beautiful Ohana Love U baby boy rest in . You will live in my heart I dedicate Aquaman 2 to you lil angel.'
At the end of the video, Momoa promised to gift Danny one of his tridents — which the boy received before he died — and invited him to the set of 'Aquaman 2', which began production in London last month.
After news of Danny's death broke out, Momoa paid tribute to his biggest fan on Instagram, writing: 'I just found out this heartbreaking news. All my Aloha to this beautiful Ohana Love u baby boy rest in . You will live in my heart I dedicate aquaman 2 to you lil angel.'
The 'Game of Thrones' actor posted a picture of a mural that the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club had unveiled this past June in honor of Danny's love of 'Aquaman.'
Danny Sheehan's favourite super-hero was Aquaman and was supposed to meet Jason Momoa soon on the set of Aquaman 2
Jason Momoa's heartwarming tribute to Danny after learning about his biggest fan's death, included a picture of the Marshfield Boys & Club mural which was inspired by Danny's love of Aquaman
Danny's social media fans also expressed their condolences.
'Deeply saddened at the loss of such a happy fun loving kid,' wrote one supporter on Facebook. 'We are all better people for having known him and his indomitable spirit…May He Rest In Peace!'
Another added, 'I am so sorry for your loss. Like many I've never had the privilege of meeting Danny but I can say I was touched by his special soul. I hope he is now swimming with the dolphins.'
The Marshfield Police Department, which made Sheehan an honorary police officer in 2019, uploaded a video homage to the deceased Aquafan on its Facebook page.
'We are beyond thankful for our friends, family and community, which have lifted us up over the past four years,' wrote Danny's mom Natalie in a statement. 'Our hope is that Danny will always be remembered, his name will continued to be spoken, and his laughter will forever echo in peoples' minds.'