Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Beloved YouTuber Ben Potter’s cause of death revealed

Content creator shared regular videos about comic book and superhero films

Nicole Vassell
Wednesday 12 June 2024 15:34 BST
Comments
Ben Potter, aka Comicstorian
Ben Potter, aka Comicstorian (YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

The cause of death of beloved YouTuber Ben Potter, known as Comicstorian, has been revealed just days after his unexpected passing at age 40.

Potter died on Saturday morning after his silver Toyota 4Runner drove off the right shoulder of Colorado’s Interstate 25 near Fort Collins and rolled over several times. He died at the scene, The Denver Post reports.

The popular online creator was wearing a seatbelt and driving alone, Colorado State Patrol said in a statement on Tuesday. Investigators do not believe alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were factors in the accident. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Potter was known to many through his YouTube channel on which he shared opinions, reviews and close analyses of various comic book and superhero products, including Marvel and DC films. The titles of his most recent videos include “Wolverine vs Ghost Rider,” “Suicide Squad Dream Team” and “Daredevil Destroys The Avengers”.

Having launched his channel in 2014 as an offshoot of his gaming channel, Potter had a following of more than 3 million subscribers and posted his most recent video, “Why DC’s reboots beat Marvel”, just one day before he died.

His death was initially announced by his wife Nathalie on Monday, June 10, with a post on the Comicstorian X account.

“Two days ago, on June 8th, my husband, Ben Potter, passed away in an unfortunate accident,” the post begins, before Nathalie notes the variety of ways that Ben had affected people’s lives.

“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.”

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Nathalie’s statement goes on to note that while she needs time to grieve with family, one of her priorities is “preserving everything he’s built”.

“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,” she continues.

“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 honour him by continuing to tell great stories by great people, as well as to keep the memory of our very own superhero alive.”

Nathalie Potter’s statement about the death of husband Ben, aka Comicstorian
Nathalie Potter’s statement about the death of husband Ben, aka Comicstorian (X / Comicstorian)

Nathalie ends the post by affirming that she’d continue to uphold Ben’s dreams as they’d done for each other when he was alive.

“We supported each other on everything we wanted to do and I’m not about to stop now,” she writes.

In response, several fans have shared their messages of condolence on Comicstorian videos, with some journeying back to his first upload in April 2014 to share their appreciation for his work.

“Rest in Peace Benny. You were a great friend to us all. I am forever thankful for the impact you had on my life,” reads a recent comment on the YouTuber’s first video.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in