Johnny Depp Mourns Death of 11-Year-Old Terminally Ill Fan

Johnny Depp is grieving the loss of a beloved member of his fanbase.

This week, the Pirates of the Caribbean star paid tribute to an 11-year-old mega-fan, who recently passed away from a terminal illness.

Depp, 60, had previously interacted with the young boy, named Kori Stovell, in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he even gave him the title, "Captain Kori." In December 2022, Depp shared a personal video made just for Stovell to YouTube, where the actor was fully dressed up as Capt. Jack Sparrow to send his fan an uplifting message.

But on Tuesday, July 11, the film star penned a final goodbye to Stovell, who was born with a heart condition and had been in palliative care after two failed heart transplants.

"Sail on my fellow captain!! You honored us with your life," Depp wrote in an Instagram Story featuring a black-and-white video of Stovell, according to People. "You humbled and amazed us with the courage and strength to be able to smile through it all."

He continued, "You've shown every one of us how to stay ahead of the curve with grace, humor an incomprehensible understanding and unparalleled dignity,"

"You are a warrior, mate..." the Fantastic Beasts alum added of Stovell, while promising, "We will meet again on the highest of seas..."

"All my love and respect to you and your family, always!!! X JD," his message concluded.

At the bottom of his post, Depp also included the link to a GoFundMe page created to help the family cover funeral and services costs.

After receiving an overwhelming amount of support, Stovell's family was able to raise the funds they needed, and then some.  The remaining funds are now being used to craft "The Captain Kori Foundation," to help "spread awareness of children's organ donations and help other children and families in situations similar to Koris."

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