Jarod Nandin, a community figure in the cosplay scene in South California, has passed away due to COVID-19. Under the nickname “NWBZPWNR”, he was known for bringing a comedic factor in his costumes, having his rendition of the “South Park WoW player”  from the episode “Make Love, Not Warcraft” go viral.

Nandin announced on Dec. 18 through a Facebook post that he had contracted the Coronavirus. This week, friends of Nandin announced his passing.

The cosplayer will leave behind great memories to those who have attended events like BlizzCon in the past. Community member Little Sparkz stated Jarod was “an advocate for cosplay positivity and encouraged people to cosplay whatever they want. He will be missed.”

A memorial fund has been created to honor Jarod Nandin and his family, and you can find it on GoFundMe through this link. 

“Today we lost a brother and to a mother, a son. A man who touched so, so many in the cosplay community by his contagious laugh and kindness. He was a proponent for body positivity, encouraging people to dress up as whatever character they wanted to.” says Canizales, organizer of the GoFundMe campaign.