MARSHFIELD –Community support for the family of Marshfield's Danny Sheehan has been pouring in since the announcement of the 8-year-old local celebrity's death Sunday, including from "Aquaman" actor Jason Momoa, who said in an Instagram post that he will dedicate "Aquaman 2" to Danny.
"Love u baby boy, rest in peace. You will live in my heart. I dedicate Aquaman 2 to you lil angel. Aloha UNKO Aquaman," he said in the post.
Aquaman superfan Danny Sheehan, the well-known and smileyboy who has been bravely battling brain cancer for more than half his life, died early Sunday.
Danny is the son of Natalie and Dan Sheehan.
“Just after midnight, while in our arms, Danny took his last sweet small warm breaths and took flight. An Angel in Heaven. Instead of here on earth,” wrote his mother, Natalie, on the family’s Facebook page, 4TheLoveofDanny.
Danny was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in January 2017. Since then, he battled the disease with great support from his parents and community.
Last winter, Danny received a FaceTime call from Momoa after a video of the boy opening an action figure went viral. “I love Aquaman!” shouts Danny in the video, adding that the character is hisfavorite superhero. After the conversation, Momoasent Danny several gifts,including an Aquaman trident.
In June, a mural celebrating Danny’s love of Aquaman was unveiled at the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.
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Around Marshfield, cutouts of a Marshfield hockey jersey for Danny, No. 23, have been nailed to telephone poles, while some businesses have put up signs about Danny, including "RIP Sweet Boy" at GerardFarm.
In his obituary, Danny is described as having left a hole in the heart of those he met.
"To know him was to absolutely adore him," states his obituary."A wise old man in a little boy’s body, Danny was an impish ball of determination, light, cuddles, stubbornness, manners, fighting spirit, humor, sweetness, and laughter."
Danny was known in many ways. He was the honorary police officer, "AquaDan" for his affection for Aquaman, the redhead flying around Boston Children's Hospital, or the one raising money for nonprofits.
"In true Danny fashion, we leave you with one of Danny’s favorite jokes: 'Why did the poodle turn the air on? Because it didn’t want to be a hot dog!'May you always hear his little voice telling this joke followed by echoes of his riotous laughter," states his obituary.
Tim O'Connell has dedicated a room to Danny at Tommy’s Place, a vacation retreat in Falmouthfor children fighting cancer. The room’s décor is inspired by Danny's favorite things: candy canes, french fries, race cars, guitars, sharks, pizza and, of course, Aquaman.
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For four years, the Sheehan family has shared its journey on Facebook, documenting everything from Danny being sworn in as a police officer by Marshfield Police Chief PhilTavares to updates on doctors’ appointments, tests, scans, birthday celebrations and more.In 2019, Danny was named honorary captain of theMarshfield High baseball team.
The Marshfield Police Department posted a message of support and remembrance on its Facebook page, recalling Danny's sense of humor, infectious smile, unsurpassed sweetness and "talent at flatulence." The post read, in part:"Once in a lifetime...If you’re lucky...you get to spend time with a 'Danny Sheehan.'We are amongst those lucky few..."
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Thousands of people have shared condolences on Facebook, remembering Danny as a “happy fun-loving kid” and a “sweet boy who has touched so many.”
Town Administrator MichaelMaresco said the Marshfield community would continue to offer support to the Sheehan family.
"It was very tragic to hear about his passing," he said. "I can only imagine what it feels like to lose a child."
Marshfield police Lt.Artie Shaw, who organizes the department's fundraisers for Cops for Kids with Cancer, said all the officers gotto know Danny well.
"He was a really special kid, just a funny, funny kid. He had so much personality. ... It was a blessing to have him in our lives," Shaw said.
After Danny's death, a GoFundMe account was set up to raise money for his family, created by the Friends of Marshfield Hockey. As of Monday afternoon, the fund had raised $5,565 out of a goal of $50,000.
Visiting hours for Danny will be 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday,Aug. 11, at St. Christine's Church in Marshfield. There will be aMass at 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by burial at Couch Cemetery on Union Street in Marshfield. Attendees are asked to wear colorful attire because Danny favored sunshine and rainbows.
The family is asking for donations to be made to Cops for Kids with Cancer.
Patriot Ledger reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite contributed to this report.
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