Back in June of last year, YouTuber Desmond “Etika” Amofas was found dead after being missing for several days. The 29-year left a video message to fans, apologizing to them, before he was discovered. This YouTuber was a light for his community, known for his passion for Nintendo, which made his suicide all the more heartbreaking. Several memorials have gone up to commemorate him following his struggles and one has been officially made into a Pokestop in Pokemon GO.
The mural can be found in New York City and it has been made into the ultimate tribute (via AllGamers) for a gamer that loved Nintendo and had a desire to be fully integrated into the Pokemon community. While he’s no longer with us, his love and life will continue on in memory and now that same love can be captured with our own gaming experiences moving forward.
IT HAPPENED!!!
THE ETIKA MURAL IS NOW A POKÉSTOP IN #PokemonGO!!!#JOYCONBOYZFOREVER https://t.co/xa6QduU3kS pic.twitter.com/rHFm5qFGBa— REVERSAL (@REVERSALx7) February 25, 2020
The Pokestop addition was first spotted by YouTuber ‘Reversal’ when he was in New York after launching a campaign to get Niantic to do something exactly like this in ode to the fallen personality. Since his passing, YouTubers, gamers, and fans alike have made their way to this particular mural to pay respects, which acts a true testament to how many lives he touched during his short time on earth.
For anyone struggling with mental health, there are so many resources out there. Crisis hotlines, networks of therapists that are there for you – you aren’t alone, even though sometimes it does truly feel that way. Please reach out, you’re doing amazing.
