RI Boy Who Became Famous in China Has Died

The 8-year-old Rhode Island boy whose dying wish was to become famous in China has died—with that wish granted. Dorian Murray, who was diagnosed with an untreatable form of cancer at age 4, told his father his unusual last wish and his father asked people to spread it on social media with the hashtag #DStrong, the AP reports. As a result, Dorian became famous not just in China, but around the world; people sent pictures and good wishes from all over, and even celebrities got in on the movement. "Dorian J. Murray (#dstrong) has gained his beautiful angel wings tonight and is now pain free," a family friend posted on his official Facebook page Tuesday. "He was surrounded by people who love him and his transition to heaven was very peaceful. He was embraced by both mom and dad."

Boston.com notes that Dorian was famous not just abroad but on his home turf as well: The Rhode Island Assembly has named January 20 "DStrong Day," and Dorian was present in the House and Senate chambers when the proclamation was read. He also received visits from multiple New England Patriots, WPRI reports, and thousands of people gathered on a Rhode Island beach to form "#D-STRONG" in the sand. A prior post on his Facebook page notes that the family will "[keep] his name and the #dstrong movement alive forever" through the Dorian J. Murray Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to bring awareness of pediatric cancer to a level "that is impossible to ignore." It will also raise funds for pediatric cancer research and offer support to families of children battling cancer. (More cancer stories.)