deaths

Star Wars Fan Daniel Fleetwood, Who Saw Early Screening of Force Awakens, Dies at 32

Daniel Fleetwood. Photo: NBC

Days after being granted his wish to see an early cut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fan Daniel Fleetwood has died at 32. Fleetwood was diagnosed with spindle-cell sarcoma two years ago, and this summer was reportedly given only months to live. Fearing he would not last until Force Awakens’ December release, the lifelong Star Wars fan and his wife Ashley started a social media campaign, #ForceForDaniel, to ask Lucasfilm for an advance screening of the film. (The couple also set up a GoFundMe page for Daniel’s medical bills.) Their message soon went viral, with many of the film’s stars signing on, and on November 5, Fleetwood was able to see an unfinished cut of the film in his Texas home. “I want to thank ALL the amazing people who helped make this happen,†Ashley wrote on Facebook after the screening. “May the force be with you all.â€

Star Wars Fan Daniel Fleetwood Dies at 32