FORT COLLINS, Colo. — YouTube star Ben Potter, who had more than 3 million subscribers on his channel "Comicstorian," died in a car crash in northern Colorado on Saturday. He was 40.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said Potter died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 near Fort Collins at 9:19 a.m. Saturday.
Potter, a resident of Windsor, was driving south on I-25 at milepost 267.5 when his silver Toyota 4Runner went off the right shoulder of the interstate, according to CSP.
Potter crossed over the frontage road paralleling the interstate before his vehicle rolled multiple times, CSP said.
He was wearing his seat belt but died from his injuries while at the scene, CSP said in a news release. Potter was the only person in the vehicle, and no other vehicles were involved.
CSP said the investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing; however, there are no indications that impairment or excessive speed was involved.
Potter started the "Comicstorian" YouTube channel in 2014, where he shared opinions on comic books, comic-inspired movies and the Marvel and DC universes. His latest video was posted Friday and has more than 375,000 views.
Potter's wife, Nathalie, said Ben died in an "unfortunate accident," she shared on the channel’s X account.
"To his loved ones, he was one of the best and most supportive individuals anyone could ask for," Nathalie said. "As a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, or even just a stranger, Ben was loving and genuine. He was someone who would listen and make time for his loved ones. He would do his best to make everyone laugh and make sure they were OK. He was our rock, and he'd reassure his loved ones whenever they needed it."
"His channel was one of his greatest accomplishments, and while we all need our time to mourn him, I know he wouldn't want it to end like this," Nathalie said. "Ben spent over 10 years spreading his love and appreciation for his hobbies. It was through his love of exciting stories and well-written characters that got him started on YouTube."
Others mourning Potter’s death included actor O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ice Cube’s son, and comic book author Scott Snyder.
"I am still taking my break from Twitter for personal reasons," Jackson Jr. said. "But with the news I just got I have to come back say something. Rest in Peace to Comicstorian. I’m heartbroken to hear this news. One of my favorite follows on YouTube, thank you so much for your work man I was a huge fan. Prayers to his loved ones. Long live Ben Potter."
"Completely stunned and deeply saddened to hear this," Snyder said. "Benny’s love for comics was infectious and amazing to be around. My sincere condolences to his family."
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