A New England boy battling terminal cancer inspired the world with his story. Late Tuesday night, the face behind the #DStrong movement died. He was just eight years old.

Rhode island native Dorian Murray told his dad he wanted to be famous in China before he died. His dad posted Dorian's wish on social media, asking people to use the hashtag #DStrong," to spread the word. Soon, the hashtag spread around the world.

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Murray's mother has set up a non-profit on behalf of the eight-year-old to bring awareness to childhood cancer and bring support to other families.

The community that used social media to make Dorian famous used the same platform to honor Dorian's memory:

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com