By Tom Gerken Technology reporter
4 hours ago
Popular streamer Puppers has died aged 32, three years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).
The American Twitch streamer rose to fame thanks to the survival game Dead by Daylight, where he was known for his positive attitude.
The game’s community joined him after his diagnosis and established the Light in the Fog Foundation, which raised $270,000 (£216,000) to support his care.
Echoing his catchphrase, the foundation said Puppers is “forever in our hearts, forever comforted”.
Puppers, aka Max, ended his streams by telling fans, “Stay comfortable because when you’re comfortable, you win.”
In 2020 the streamer was diagnosed with ALS – the most common form of MND.
According to the NHS, it affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that worsens over time. There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can help lessen the impact on a person’s daily life.
“Thank you for all the love and support throughout his career – making you all happy is truly what he lived for,” the statement read.
“A Beacon of Positivity”
When Max was diagnosed with ALS, his friends – known by their online usernames Eshleee, Sunshine and Silver – moved “across the country” to provide care and support.
“Being his carer while he battled this absolutely horrible disease has been the greatest test and joy of my life,” Sunshine told the BBC.
“I will never forget him and part of my heart will remain empty without him.”
Silver said they “will always remember Max laughing and playing Dead by Daylight by his side,” and Eshleee called the streamer “a beacon of positivity.”
“I can’t think of a single person who has had a greater impact on my life or the lives of so many,” they said.
“I wouldn’t trade a second of the last two years I’ve spent with him for anything.”
The three said they were “devastated” when Max was diagnosed and formed Light in the Fog to help.
More than 150 Dead by Daylight streamers collaborated over a multi-day event to raise money for his treatment and care, fueled by support from online personalities like MrBeast – the world’s most subscribed YouTuber.
The group is now asking the community for additional money to cover his funeral expenses as well as the outstanding medical costs of his treatment.
There was a flood of support from the wider gaming community, who dubbed him a “true gaming champion” and “a kind soul we didn’t deserve.”
Dead by Daylight’s developers, who previously added an item to the game in honor of it, called it “one of the brightest lights in The Fog,” a feature that helps players stay hidden from one another.
Meanwhile, hundreds of posts from fans reacting to the news reflected the Puppers’ approval. “Take a rest,” says many posts, “stay comfortable.”
video caption,
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