Dorian Murray, the 8-year old boy whose final wish to become famous in China went viral, has died of cancer.
His death was announced via a statement on his Facebook page.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share this news. Dorian J. Murray (?#?dstrong?) has gained his beautiful angel wings tonight and is now pain free. He was surrounded by people who love him and his transition to heaven was very peaceful. He was embraced by both mom and dad,” it read.
Dorian was diagnosed with advanced stage rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer when he was just four years old.
People around the world heard his story after his father in January posted his request on Facebook, asking people to share the message using the hashtag #DStrong.
Specifically, he told his father that he wanted to become famous in China, land of the Great Wall — that “bridge” that people walk on, as he put it.
Internet users in China, where Facebook cannot be directly accessed, tried to make the dying child’s dream come true. They posted photos of themselves posing on The Great Wall, with a sign saying “#DStrong.”
U.S. celebrities and politicans joined in as well sending the child encouraging words.
In Dorian’s hometown of Westerly, Rhode Island, more than 2,500 people spelled out a message of strength for him on a beach.
