YouTube personality Ben Potter has died at the age of 40 after what his wife Nathalie Potter described as an ‘unfortunate accident.’
‘Two days ago, on June 8th, my husband, Ben Potter, passed away in an unfortunate accident,’ Nathalie said in a statement on the Comicstorian Twitter page.
She noted his work as a content creator, saying, ‘To many of you, he was Comicstorian, voicing stories from across multiple different mediums.
‘To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive individuals anyone could ask for.’
Nathalie mentioned her late spouse’s ‘loving and genuine’ nature ‘as a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, or even just a stranger.’
She added: ‘He was someone who would listen and make time for his loved ones. He would do his best to make everyone laugh and make sure they were okay.
‘He was our rock and he’d reassure his loved ones whenever they needed it.’
Nathalie opened up on her own personal feelings amid the tragic time.
‘He was my world and I need time to be with friends and family,’ Nathalie said. ‘I have so many things I need to figure out but firstly, I need to grieve.
‘I ask that you respect my privacy as well as everyone else’s. Right now my priority is preserving everything he’s built and I don’t have any plans beyond that.
The late content creator’s spouse said that his YouTube ‘channel was one of his greatest accomplishments’ and she planned to keep it going in due time.
‘While we all need our time to mourn him, I know he wouldn’t want it to end like this,’ she said. ‘Ben spent over 10 years spreading his love and appreciation for his hobbies.
‘It was through his love of exciting stories and well written characters that got him started on YouTube.’
She said that she and Potter’s colleagues ‘want to keep that going’ and honor the late creator ‘by continuing to tell great stories by great people, as well as to keep the memory of our very own superhero alive.’
She wrapped up in saying, ‘We supported each other on everything we wanted to do and I’m not about to stop now.’
A number of online users commented their condolences in response to the sad announcement, touting Potter’s talents as a creator, and kind personality in general.
‘So sorry for your loss, and for all of our loss,’ one user said. ‘I’ve watched countless hours of his videos over the years and his love of comics and storytelling was evident from his enthusiasm in each and every video. He’ll be sorely missed.’
Another user said that the news was devastating and heartbreaking, crediting Potter with bringing a huge audience to the comic book genre.
‘Comicstorian was an absolutely incredible YouTuber that pioneered so much and got so many people into reading comics,’ the user said. ‘Rest in peace.’
Said one user: ‘I am so sorry for your loss. Ben’s content was incredible.’
One user said that Potter ‘was a genuinely great person and individual’ while another said he ‘seemed like a awesome guy.’
Actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. said, ‘I am still taking my break from Twitter for personal reasons. But with the news I just got I have to come back say something.
‘Rest in Peace to Comicstorian. I’m heartbroken to hear this news. One of my favorite follows on YouTube, thank you so much for your work man I was a huge fan. Prayers to his loved ones. Long live Ben Potter.’
The Straight Outta Compton star wrapped up in saying, ‘Yall be good. Hold your loved ones tight. I’ll see yall soon I hope.’
Writer Jimmy Palmiotti said, ‘Heartbreaking. So sorry for your loss.’
Voice actress Susan Eisenberg said, ‘Nathalie, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your husband was adored by so many, & he will be so missed.’
Writer Robert Venditti credited Potter for using his medium to keep comics popular with younger generations.
‘When my oldest was in 6th grade, the school asked me to speak to their writing classes,’ Venditti said. ‘Afterward, a group of kids came up to me all excited because they’d watched Benny cover my books on
Comicstorian. His love of comics was infectious. Rest in peace, Benny.’
A tweet from the toy company Funko read, ‘We are so sorry for your loss.’