Poppy Bilderbeck
YouTuber Comicstorian has passed away at the age of 40, his wife has confirmed.
Ben Potter - a.k.a. Comicstorian or Mangastorian - is best known for his championing of comic books, celebration of Marvel and DC and turning comics into engaging audio dramas as well as writing his own - with the YouTuber amassing a loyal following of over three million fans.
Sadly, yesterday (10 June) his wife Nathalie Potter took to his social media to reveal that he'd passed away 'in an unfortunate accident'.
Potter took to her husband's X account to share the devastating update with fans.
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She wrote: "Two days ago, on June 8th, my husband, Ben Potter, passed away in an unfortunate accident.
"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.
"As a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, or even just a stranger, Ben was loving and genuine. 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."
Potter explained her husband 'was [her] world' and so she needs 'time to be with friends and family,' asking fans to 'respect' her need for privacy and time to 'grieve'.
She also addressed the future of Comicstorian's YouTube channel.
Potter said: "Right now my priority is preserving everything he's built and I don't have any plans beyond that.
"His channel was one of his greatest accomplishments, and while we all need our time to mourn him, I know he wouldn't want it to end like this.
"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.
"The team and I want to keep that going. To honor him by continuing to tell great stories by great people, as well as to keep the memory of our very own superhero alive.
"We supported each other on everything we wanted to do and I'm not about to stop now - Nathalie Potter."
And it's not taken long for fans of the YouTube star to flood to social media to pay their respects.
One X user wrote: "Incredibly heart breaking, Comicstorian was an absolutely incredible YouTuber that pioneered so much and got so many people into reading comics. Devastating news. Rest in peace."
"That man did so much for the comic community, R.I.P legend," another added.
A third commented: "I’m so sorry to hear this, he was an incredible mentor, entertainer, and much more to many.."
And a fourth added: "Thinking of you and your family. This is truly heartbreaking."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.