Viral ‘Aquaman’ superfan dies of cancer at 8 years old
A Massachusetts boy whose infectious “Aquaman” fandom prompted a call with movie star Jason Momoa has died of brain cancer at 8 years old.
The viral superfan, named Danny Sheehan, passed away Sunday after a courageous four-year battle with pineoblastoma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The boy’s parents, Dan and Natalie Sheehan, announced his passing 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 heartrending tribute. “Surreal and utter heartbreak can’t even begin to describe this feeling inside.”
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.”
This marks a tragic end for the superhero die-hard, who had gone viral in November 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 enthusiastic clip 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.
The talk concluded with Momoa promising to gift Danny one of his tridents — which the boy received before he died — and inviting him to the set of “Aquaman 2” which began production in London last month.
Momoa has since paid tribute to his biggest fan’s passing on Instagram, writing: “I just found out this heartbreaking news. All my Aloha to this beautiful Ohana Love u baby boy rest in [peace]. You will live in my heart I dedicate aquaman 2 to you lil angel.” The “Game of Thrones” actor included a pic of a mural that the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club had unveiled this past June in honor of Danny’s love of “Aquaman.”
Sheehan’s legions of social media fans also expressed their condolences.
“Deeply saddened at the loss of such a happy fun loving kid,” wrote one crestfallen 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.”
