YouTube star dies at 40 after ‘unfortunate accident’, says his wife

YouTube star Ben Potter has died at the age of 40.

The internet personality, known as a comicstorian – with over three million subscribers on the video-sharing platform – died on June 8, 2024 “in a regrettable accident,” his wife Nathalie confirmed in a message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Ben created comic book audio plays on his Comicstorian account and regularly discussed the Marvel and DC universes.

“For many of you, he was a comic storyteller who told stories from many different media. For his loved ones, he was one of the best and most helpful people you could wish for,” said Nathalie, without giving any details of the accident.

“As a husband, son, brother, friend or even just a stranger, Ben was loving and genuine. He was someone who listened and made time for his loved ones. He did his best to make everyone laugh and make sure they were OK. He was our rock and reassured his loved ones whenever they needed it,” she added.

Nathalie said her husband was “my everything,” adding: “I need time to be with friends and family. I have so many things to sort out, but first I need to grieve. I ask that you respect my privacy as well as that of everyone else. Right now, my priority is to preserve everything he has built and I have no further plans.”

“His channel was one of his greatest achievements and while we all need time to mourn his loss, I know he would not have wanted it to end this way,” she continued.

Referring to Ben’s YouTube presence, Nathalie continued that he has “spent over 10 years spreading his love and appreciation for his hobbies. His love of engaging stories and well-written characters is what drew him to YouTube.”

“The team and I want to keep this going. To honor him by continuing to tell great stories about great people and to keep the memory of our own superhero alive,” Nathalie concluded. “We supported each other in everything we wanted to do and I’m not going to stop now.”

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Ben, who has posted nearly 4,000 YouTube videos, shared his latest upload titled Why DC’s reboots beat Marvel — just one day before his death.

O’Shea Jackson Jr., the son of Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff, was among those who paid tribute to him. “I’m still taking a break from Twitter for personal reasons. But after the news I just got, I have to come back and say something,” he wrote on X. “Rest in peace Comicstorian. Heartbreaking to hear this news. One of my favorite followers on YouTube, thank you for your work man I was a huge fan.”

“Prayers for his loved ones. Long live Ben Potter,” concluded Jackson Jr. “Be good. Hold your loved ones tight. Hope to see you soon.”

Comic book writer Scott Snyder added on X: “Totally stunned and deeply saddened to hear this. Benny’s love of comics was infectious and it was great to be around him. My sincere condolences to his family.”