Johnny Depp Pays Emotional Tribute to 11-Year-Old Fan: 'Sail On, My Fellow Captain'

A Farewell to Captain Kori: Johnny Depp Pays Tribute to a Young YouTube Star

Johnny Depp, the renowned actor known for his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, recently took to social media to share a deeply emotional and heartfelt tribute to his young fan and friend, Kori Stovell.

At just 11 years old, Kori, who went by the YouTube alias Captain Kori, captivated the hearts of thousands with his channel, Kraken The Box. Through unboxing gifts and sharing his dreams of becoming a sea captain, he offered a glimpse into a world filled with imagination and wonder.

Tragically, Kori battled a severe heart condition and despite undergoing two unsuccessful transplants, his health continued to deteriorate. On a somber Monday, Kori passed away, leaving behind a profound impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. The news of his departure was shared by their manager on the YouTube channel that Kori and his mother Pixi managed together.

Amidst the grief and sorrow, it was revealed that Kori held a special admiration for Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. Through the Make-A-Wish foundations in both America and the UK, Kori’s dreams came true as he had the opportunity to speak to Johnny while he embodied the beloved pirate character. The heartwarming video, which was posted last December, has garnered nearly a million views to date.

In the clip, Johnny Depp, fully immersed in his Captain Sparrow persona, expressed his unwavering support for Kori’s YouTube channel, saying, “I am your number one fan.”

Upon hearing the news of Kori’s passing, Johnny Depp took to his Instagram Stories to share a poignant message accompanied by a link to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at fulfilling Kori’s funeral and final wishes.

In his heartfelt tribute, Depp wrote, “Sail on my fellow Captain! You honored us with your life. You humbled and amazed us with the courage and strength to be able to smile through it all. You’ve shown every one of us how to stay ahead of the curve with grace, humor, an incomprehensible understanding, and unparalleled dignity.”

He concluded the message with a promise, expressing his love, respect, and the belief that they would meet again on the highest seas.

The manager of Kori’s YouTube channel also shared their grief, stating, “It is with a very heavy heart I announce that at 7.30 pm GMT today, our dear Captain has departed for his final journey.”

Despite the immeasurable loss, the channel will continue to stand as a tribute to Kori’s memory. In their statement, they highlighted the countless joyful moments, incredible adventures, and infectious smiles that Kori shared with the world. They also emphasized their commitment to fulfilling Kori’s wish of raising awareness about children’s organ donation and supporting related charities.

The GoFundMe campaign created to honor Kori’s memory and fulfill his final wishes has already received an overwhelming response, with nearly £50,000 raised and counting. Among Kori’s final wishes, as shared by their manager, is to be laid to rest in his beloved pirate attire, complete with his signature tricorn hat.

Additionally, Kori’s mother, Pixi, expressed the desire to have a glass carriage, pulled by black horses, reminiscent of the one that transported her own mother during her funeral procession. As for Kori’s resting place, he had expressed a wish for a beautifully carved stone monument featuring a pirate ship and the iconic Whitby Abbey, adorned with his photograph.

Pixi also expressed her desire for the monument to be complemented by a marble floor, onto which Kori’s hand and footprint would be laser-engraved, serving as a lasting testament to his extraordinary spirit.

The loss of Captain Kori is not only a personal tragedy for his family and loved ones but also a profound loss to the online community. Kori’s infectious enthusiasm, unwavering courage, and ability to find joy in the face of adversity have touched the hearts of thousands, including Johnny Depp.

As the world mourns the passing of this remarkable young soul, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact one can have, regardless of age. Captain Kori’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring others to approach life with the same grace, resilience, and unwavering spirit that he embodied.

In the wake of this tragedy, let us honor Captain Kori’s memory by cherishing every precious moment and by supporting the causes he held dear. May his spirit continue to guide us on our own journeys, reminding us to seize each day with a sense of wonder, love, and compassion.