‘Aquaman’ fan who had heart-to-heart with Jason Momoa dies of cancer at age 8

A boy from Massachusetts whose contagious fandom “Aquaman” prompted a call with movie star Jason Momoa has died of brain cancer at the age of 8.

The viral superfan, named Danny Sheehan, died 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 death on the family’s Facebook page, 4TheLoveOfDanny, WCVB, a Boston ABC affiliate, reported.

“Just after midnight, while in our arms, Danny took his last warm, soft breaths and flew away,” they wrote in the heartbreaking tribute. “Surreal and utter grief cannot even begin to describe this inner feeling. “

They added, “We will be so sad, but you can send us rainbows, butterflies and ladybugs to say hello. We will soon be snuggling up again.

It marks a tragic end for the die-hard superhero, who went viral in November after he was filmed enthusiastically unboxing an Aquaman figure he received from a Christmas photographer.

“Oh my God, my favorite!” Sheehan exclaimed in the adorable clip. “AQUAMAAAAAAAAAAN !!!”

The enthusiastic clip caught the attention of Momoa, who plays the marine superhero in the DC films “Justice League” and “Aquaman”. The 41-year-old movie star decided to FaceTime her enthusiastic young fan, who said he was “so excited” to talk to his hero.

The interview ended with Momoa promising to give Danny one of his tridents – which the boy received before his death – and inviting him to the set of “Aquaman 2” whose production has begun. London last month.

Momoa has since paid tribute to the death of its biggest fan on Instagram, writing, “I just heard about this heartbreaking news. All my Aloha to this beautiful Ohana Love u baby boy stay in [peace]. You will live in my heart, I dedicate Aquaman 2 to you, little angel. The “Game of Thrones” actor included a photo of a mural the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club unveiled last June in honor of Danny’s love for “Aquaman.”

Sheehan’s legions of social media fans have also expressed their condolences.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of such a happy, fun loving child,” wrote a bewildered supporter on Facebook. “We are all better people to have known him and his indomitable spirit… May he rest in peace! “

Another added: “I am so sorry for your loss. Like many, I never had the privilege of meeting Danny but I can say that I was touched by his special soul. I hope he is swimming with the dolphins now.

The Marshfield Police Department, which made Sheehan an honorary police officer in 2019, posted a video tribute to the late Aquafan on their Facebook page.

“We are more than grateful to our friends, family and community, who have helped us over the past four years,” Natalie, Danny’s mother, wrote in a statement. “Our hope is that Danny will be remembered forever, that his name will continue to be spoken, and that his laughter will resonate in people’s minds forever.”