Press Release: A sad loss for our company and community

[ddavison]

It is with deep sadness that we inform everyone about the passing of David Middleton.

David was battling COVID-19 and passed Saturday afternoon. Dave played an important role here at SmiteWorks, and within the community. Roleplaying games were David's life and he always made room at the table for anyone who wanted to play. His role with the company was working directly with customers as a Customer Support Rep, a YouTube and Twitch streamer, and as a Gamemaster. He loved working with people, teaching others about gaming, and generally just spreading his love for the many games he enjoyed.

David made a name for himself as The Digital Dungeon Master on YouTube and on Twitch where he had more than 25K followers and countless videos focused primarily on online RPG play. He joined SmiteWorks in 2017 as only our fifth employee and he played a very big part in the growth of our company. He was often the face of our company online and the first interaction many of our users had with the company. More importantly, David was a true friend.

My life was greater for having had David in it. He told me earlier this week that he would see me on the other side. I held out hope that he would make it through this challenge and that we would one day be able to roll dice together again. Unfortunately, life had a different plan. I truly hope that I do get to see him again one day and I hope he is watching from above whenever we roll those 1's and 20's. He will be missed.

David is survived by his son Nick and his mother Mary. Our hearts go out to David's family at this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We are communicating with David's son and we will post additional information about funeral arrangements once we receive them. We are sharing a link to this press release with David's family. If you would like to leave a message for his family, please do so below. It would mean a lot to them to see how loved David was in our community.

[Zacchaeus]

This is truly terrible news.

I spent quite a few hours in video calls with him during his time with Smiteworks and had the privilege to meet him and his son, Nick, during the Alpha launch party a couple of years ago in Florida. We spend quite the few hours discussing gaming and life in general over a few libations in the hotel bar. As Doug says he had a prodigious knowledge of, and love for, gaming and RPGs in particular and he brought that to his conversation and into his many videos. He was the mainstay of Fantasy Grounds Fridays and brought pleasure to many in the community with his humour and humility.

He was also a great family man and my thoughts are with his son, Nick, and his mother and I know he cared deeply for both.

A truly gentle man, he will be sorely missed not just by the Smiteworks community but the wider gaming community in general. One of the greats.

[johniba]

I will always remember his videos, his smile showing through how much he loved RPG and sharing that passion with us.
Sad news, my heart and thoughts go to his family...

[flashingturtle]

very sorry to hear this he helped me a lot with unity.

[Glorwin]

Sad news indeed. Prayers sent for his family and the SmiteWorks company.

[barles]

His videos have always been useful and fun to watch. My condolences to all he was near and dear to.

[Jiminimonka]

Super sad news ��

[Jonin]

I hate to hear this. I learned a great deal about Fantasy Grounds from David. We chatted a few times here and there and he was just a great guy. Happy and always willing to help out with any issues or questions I may have had, or just chat in general about RPG's. I looked forward to Fantasy Grounds Fridays and David's videos on you tube. He'll be greatly missed. Thoughts go out to his family. If there is anything we can do, let us know.

[timdog88]

I was a member of his Patreon for a while and played in games that he ran. He was always patient and kind, funny and thoughtful. He was also excellent as the voice and face of smite works. He was a great member of this community, and he will be missed.

[Oso Buho]

Hi, Oso Búho here from the Fantasy Grounds Español community.

I shared the news with our group this morning and already got a few messages saying how he was a highlight of the Fantasy Grounds community and his videos were extremely instructive and always seemed to be smiling and enjoying everything he did.

My thoughts go to the family and friends.

[bmos]

Wow, such sad news :(
David's videos were very helpful as I was learning how to run using FG and he was an ever-present part of the community.
Be careful everyone <3

[RolerosCarrozas]

I am flabagasted by this news! He was an iconic member of this community!! May his spirit be welcomed in the etherplane and I hope to catch up with him to roleplay till eternity when my time comes to it too! Best wishes to his son and I hope he grows to be a great man too.

[Kelrugem]

Very sad news. My condolences to his friends and family members. I had a few chats with him, and he surely was interested into RPGs, in context of FG but also in general. Thus, his death surely creates a hole in our community which no-one can fill

[SmackDaddy]

Very sad to hear this news. His gameplay videos were some of the first I'd ever watched when I got back into D&D a few years ago. I also watched many of his videos which help solidify my position to purchase an Ultimate license for FGU last August for my birthday (along with the top 3 WotC books needed for play - DMG, PHB and MM). He will be missed and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time!

[Nick Frost]

Dave Middleton was one of the pinnacles of the Fantasy Grounds community, always with a positive and kind attitude. His passion was contagious, and his teachings will live on in our minds and hearts.

[Ulric]

What a terrible loss! I never got to meet Dave in person but I got to know him first as the Digital DM and second as a SW employee and feel his loss like he was my close friend. He was such a force in the FG RPG community. His videos are the reason I choose to use FG as my VTT. Fantasy Grounds Friday was one of my weekly shows. I know he loved his mom and son because he shared so many stories about them. I thought he did not look well when I saw his last video. My heart goes out to his family and friends and hope they can find peace in his passing.

[AucaCoyan]

Hi! I'm very sad to read this. David was a great DM, an excelent streamer and above all, an excellent person. My sincere condolences to the family and the co-workers.

[Shiska]

Absolutely awful news. David was my main source of info when I started learning about Fantasy Grounds and I was lucky enough to have a few short conversation with him in Youtube comments. I will miss his honesty and earnest love of our hobby.

[LordEntrails]

It is in this time of sorrow that I try and remember all the joy and light Dave brought to our community. He will be dearly missed and he leaves behind a legacy that is of the best kind; one of joy, caring, helpfulness and positivity.

[Griogre]

My deepest condolences. Dave was a positive force in the FG community and will be deeply missed. The FG community is one of the most positive ones on the Internet and a large part of that is people like Dave who cared deeply about others and was willing to help them.

[Triky]

Very sorry to hear this, my condolences. His job spreading RPGs and FG in particular was great.

[Gwydion]

This news crushed me all weekend when I first heard about it Saturday evening. Its hard to sum up my feelings. I started watching his videos on youtube over 6yrs ago and he inspired me to take a shot at streaming myself. He was so personal and such a wonderful GM. I enjoyed speaking with him and staying connected with him over email. I had the pleasure of having him play in a few of my games and I always loved having him as a player. He just had so much fun and his enthusiasm rubbed off on others to be sure. I will miss him so very much.

[darrenan]

Very sad. My condolences to any family he had, and to the staff at SmiteWorks. Must be tough for you guys.

[Trenloe]

Shocking and terribly sad news. Dave was an amazing person personally and in the RPG industry. I appeared twice on Fantasy Grounds Fridays and Dave was always so friendly and welcoming, making the potentially stressful experience of doing a video interview a breeze. Each time we hung out for an hour afterwards talking and talking about RPGs - we could have done that for hours.

A great loss to Fantasy Grounds, the RPG industry in general and to all who knew him. Rest in peace Dave!

[Laerun]

We are going to miss David. He was a mentor and friend to all of us, and certainly an inspiration for myself and our community. I think David's contributions to this hobby, to the community, and to myself personally, were instrumental in bringing us all together to play RPGs. Rest in peace David, you work is immortalized through all of us and the community that you helped build!

Laerun

[pralix1138]

So sorry to hear. His love and joy came through his videos and his interactions with people. I will miss seeing and hearing him. May his memory be eternal.

[jwatmough]

Where to start, I often try and find the best or the good of every situation; however, I have failed to do so in this case, and the term "too soon" is at the forefront of my every thought in this regard. David was not just a coworker but a friend. He was always bringing so much laughter to our meetings, interactions, and everything he was involved in. I will always remember when Carl finally agreed to go on to Fantasy Grounds Fridays and Dave fell right out of his chair. The entire meeting erupted into laughter. That was just who I knew Dave to be. A truly good-hearted and caring person who would do anything to get a smile or a laugh. I will certainly miss him and everything he brought to not just SmiteWorks but to life. Farewell, my friend, and I hope that wherever you may be, there are dice in your hands and shelves of tabletop goodies all around you.

[manu]

I got this terrible news early this morning in Barcelona from our Fantasy Grounds Español community staff.
My thoughts are with his family and friends. Indeed he'll be missed.

[rob2e]

Dave was a true friend. I worked with him, but we were also friends. I met him online in 2015, but we met in person finally at the FG Unity launch in FL in 2019. He was an inspiration. He and I became more personal after we met. We had many conversations one on one and we always laughed. I spent about two hours last Spring trying to convince Dave to get the COVID vaccine. He wouldn’t have it. I’m sick to my stomach that I couldn’t do a better job of convincing him. He’s not the first friend I’ve lost.

RIP to my dear friend Dave. I love you brother.

[Raddu]

This is very sad news. David was instrumental in my knowledge of Fantasy Grounds and streaming. I enjoyed his content and his presence when we streamed and interacted online. His memory will be a blessing.

[elfurna]

From the Spanish FG community we deeply regret the loss of David.
We would like to convey our condolences to his family and friends.
A big hug.

[WishX]

David had probably forgotten more about RPGs than I'll ever even know, and he lent that great knowledge freely and openly whenever he could. When I started at Smiteworks, David made himself available to answer the endless amount of questions I had, and he did so with a patience and thoroughness I often lauded him for. He went out of his way to lend himself to not only me, but all his work colleagues and the FG community at large, and not just professionally, but personally. Quick with a joke or a story, and always eager to help, he was truly a friend to all of us. David was a bright light in our community and his energy and laughter will be deeply missed.

[madman]

This crushed me. Though I never got to meet David. That being said, I feel like he was a part of my life. He will be missed dearly by so many. He was such a shinning light to the community, always giving it his all. It is hard to put the words together, and write them here. All the things he has done for the people around him over the years.
You will be remembered, You will be missed.

The next adventure is ahead of you my friend.
May your dice come up 20's

Chris

[Egheal]

It is so sad. David was a great member of the community and a very nice guy. My thoughts go to is family.

[dittotb]

You have gone to join that great roleplaying game in the sky.
We will miss you down here.
Thank you for your love of gaming and sharing that so willingly with us.

[TheJenPage]

The world has lost an amazing, bright, and caring man.

[AlterZwerg]

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everyone else who knew him.
I only knew him from his videos but he had fun in what he was doing and he shared this joy with others.
R.I.P. Dave

[Grimlore]

We've lost an important member of our community and such an amazing person. My deepest sympathies for Dave's family and all of the other people's lives he touched.

Dave, you will be missed.

[Kaltorak]

I truly enjoyed his videos. RIP my friend

[viresanimi]

My condolences to the family and all the people who knew him.

[Dyark]

Even though I did not know David personally, it is a really sad news to learn of this. I want to take the time to give my sincere condoleances to his family and friends.

[hereticaldrop]

Sad news his videos helped and are still helping me learn fantasy grounds. When he got picked to be on the fantasy grounds team his excitement was thru the roof and still every video the same energy. As a fellow Texan this is a great loss. He will be missed. My condolences to his family

[Jesse0317]

That is awful news to hear. My deepest condolences to his family and his Fantasy Grounds family. His videos were why I chose Fantasy Grounds as a VTT.

[OmarLennon]

Sorry fo the lost, to the family be strong, its so sad

[gtw2017]

OMG. What a tragic loss. Dave was an amazing guy with an enormously influential style of DM'ing and endless charisma that will be sorely missed. I loved watching his videos with his voice-overs for NPC's and was inspired by his exceptional grasp of 5e mechanics and story-telling. He was very friendly and kind. It is a very sad day for all in the RPG industry that he has passed, not just for his family, friends and work colleagues. Sincere condolences :(

[BABOONSKI]

- Dave was a great friend to us all and I can only say if it hadn't been for him I probably wouldn't have discovered just how amazing fantasy grounds is, so many many years ago when I first met him.


From myself and Troll Lord Games:

We lost a very a good friend last weekend. He was not only a good friend to the gaming community but also a wonderful ambassador for Fantasy Grounds virtual tabletop.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to David's family, he was such a great person and an amazing content creator.

He will be missed terribly but we're sure he will still be rolling nat 20's and telling amazing stories no matter what plane he is on!

The Troll Lords

[damned]

My condolences to Daves family and to all his many friends.

[mhossom]

Dave is and will remain an icon of this community. People like him leave a mark on this world that transcends the passing of their mortal form. The word is a better place for Dave having been in it.

[vaughnlannister]

Shocked and really sad to hear that Dave has passed away. My deep condolence to his family and friends.

[BnaaUK]

I never got to meet him in person. Though he had made the suggestion many time that he wanted to drag me to a football match (he'd accept it as football rather than soccer) if he made it to this side of the pond.

I was a regular viewer and eventually a moderator of his streams for years.

He was definitely a character, who can forget the incident with the tiger sauce... the face he made...

He was a great mate and I thought very highly of him. To say that I'm shocked is a massive understatement.

[ddavison]

It just occurred to me that someone up there must have needed a great Dungeon Master.

[chumbly]

Sorry, and condolences to his family. Never really talked to him, outside of FG Friday chat, but I enjoyed his videos tremendously. Watching him
demonstrating FG is what taught me how the hell to use this piece of software, that I had plunked my money down for. I loved the humor he showed
in his youtube streams. He was very funny when he wanted to be. A great shame and a loss not just to the FG community, but to the RPG community.
Somedays, I get depressed that we will never rid ourselves of this damn plague, that has taken so many from us.

[chumbly]

It just occurred to me that someone up there must have needed a great Dungeon Master.

Wonder, how Dave the DM will handle it when GOD rolls a "1".

[ddavison]

Wonder, how Dave the DM will handle it when GOD rolls a "1".

I'm pretty sure it won't be the first time. :D

[damned]

It just occurred to me that someone up there must have needed a great Dungeon Master.

Havent they heard of VTTs up there?

[ddavison]

Havent they heard of VTTs up there?

I think latency is a problem.

[Naroe]

My condolences to his family. David was a great mentor to our community and will be missed.

[nazzeroo]

David was an instantly likeable guy. I watched his videos in the darkest hours, when my babies wouldn't sleep. I had just bought fantasy grounds, weeks after my first son was born.

As the reality hit home about parenting, I decided to utilise the sleepless hours and turned to YouTube to learn about fantasy grounds and being a dm in general. There are others plying a similar trade. But David had an authentic friendliness, warmth and wisdom which made me feel like, this is the one I should be watching. David will always be remembered whenever I think of the first few years of my sons lives.

He seemed to be a lovely guy and I'm very sad about his passing, my thoughts are with those who were closest to him. If I am sad when I didn't really know him, then I have no idea of the sadness that they are feeling right now.

[Tiderian Prime]

This is such sad news to lose someone who had a love for RPG's and shared it with all of us. I will always remember Dave, he taught me how to play fantasy grounds.

[mdrichey]

I'm very, very sorry to hear this.

[Temujin]

I am shocked and very saddened. He always was so genuine, so passionate, so friendly to his guests his character always shined through. What a great guy, he will be sorely missed. I am sorry for the loss to his son and mother.

[NinkasiNinja]

Dave felt like one of my gaming bros! I pray for strength and peace for his family!

[swbuza]

I just don't know what to say. I watched so many of David's videos, and I know it's a one way street -- he never knew who I was -- but man, I held him in high regard. I'm just so sad right now. Just sad.

[GunnarGreybeard]

This was totally shocking and unexpected news to hear. His videos taught me so much about using Fantasy Grounds. He will definitely be missed. :cry:

[JulioIP]

So sad. Ive never met David but have been following him for years. Feels like i lost a friend. My condolences to his family. Very upsetting!! rest in peace my friend!!!

[RustyInRT]

Shocked. So sad. This news rocked me. As many have said, I watched a lot of his videos. Thoughts go out to his son and mother.

May he roll high D20's with advantage.

[kromtor]

Very sad news...condolence to all his parents.

Hail to the Dungeon Master! I know you're riding an ancient gold dragon somewhere in the universe.

[monkeyboy_9000]

My condolences to David's nearest and dearest. A sad day.

[AceWholes]

This is tragic news. I did not know Dave personally, but he was a huge inspiration to me. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.

[Howell Family]

I am so sorry to hear this. I didn't know David in real life, but I spent numerous hours watching him and learning from him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

[MassaG]

I learned to use and love Fantasy Grounds because of this guy, and I am sure this did not happen only to me. He seemed to be a kind man too. May he rest in peace.

[Pepor]

Very sad news. My condolences to his friends and family members. It was really a nice guy. I learnt a lot from him wathching his videos. I'll miss him. I am really sorry.

[Locotomo]

I am very sorry and really really sad. I will miss him and his videos.

[Voxpopuli]

Very sad. I have learned so much for his videos!

RIP

[TheSimpleDM]

Dave was a Mentor and Friend. Dave had the distinction of having the same appearance and demeanor of my best childhood friend. This made it easy to know I loved him, and his soul.

What a comfort his voice, and sincerity were while learning. His resources, care, and collections, humbling. But, not one thing was more Humble than his Heart!

His stories, All of Friendship.
His Life spent ever extending the same.
The Same, In the Name of The Game.

If you loved Dave, Showed Dave, and Remember Dave...

REJOICE! Your Games Have Another Patron from Beyond!
Roll With the Conviction of a DIGITAL Dungeon Master!!

And, NEVER Cease to tell the Tales of a PIONEER, a TRAILBLAZER, a MASTER of DUNGEONS, a PATHFINDER...a tiller of FANTASY GROUNDS!

In Life and Ever More, Your Initiative Won & WINS, DAVE!

Thank You, Friend.

[andrewcr]

David helped my gaming group and I so much through his video tutorials, ideas, and infectious love of the games he loved to play.

His authenticity was as real as the bookshelf of gaming books and boxes of miniatures that graced the background of his many many videos.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Azaran]

From the digital DM to the bright smiling face of fantasy grounds Fridays, Dave kept us entertained, informed and interested in this wonderful platform that we use, that's held many of us together through the trying times of recent memory.

Our love goes out to his son and mother. He was truly one of the good guys and his passing is felt all around the world.

Lee "Azaran" Paxton,
Scotland.

[mhorgunn]

I was greatly saddened by this news and shared his parting with my table. He was always a point of inspiration and I owe him a lot. He was always there with answers and the ability to make things fun and clear. I was always disappointed in that while we lived in the same town, I never had the opportunity to meet him.

He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and to friends.

[viviolay]

Dave, it's still sinking in for me that I'm not going to get to video chat with you anymore. You were amongst one of the first people I met from FG - even before I joined the company. I remember walking up to you at Dnd Live and you had a demo of Unity up when it was still pre-full release and being developed. I remember how excited I was to see it and how excited you were to show it off to me. You were so kind and warm even then - and I just was some random girl who just was nerding out. You were willing to nerd out with me and at the time I couldn't believe I was meeting you in person! At the time, you had always been this personality I saw on youtube. I was just so excited to meet you and get to chat. Later, you and Doug took a picture with me that I still have - I'm glad we got to have that memory in person together and I have that memento from it.


I couldn't foresee that I'd get the privilege to later work with you at Smiteworks. You were so welcoming and I remember every time I left a conversation with you- knowing that you were truly happy for me being there. You were a support for me as I adjusted to being a part of the team and gave me so many insights and advice. I also remember us chatting about so many random things before or after the stream - from how much we enjoy Mexican food to what kind of shows we want to bring to the channel to just general rpg stuffs. You were also the one who helped me figure out logistics as I was preparing to launch the first stream I'd ever organize. I knew less than nothing about logistics and all the things that need to be handled/could go wrong - and you freely gave me insight and help. I always knew if I needed it you had my back.


I really don't know how to process that you won't be around anymore - the world is a little less bright now that you're not here. But, I know that you'll live on in all the lives you touched - both in person through friendships and relationships or from a distance through your various shows on minis, dm-ing digitally, Fg, and more.
I hope you are at peace now and can rest. I can't put into words how much you'll be missed. But I feel blessed having had the opportunity to meet you and build a relationship with you for the time we did have.


Till we meet again,
Violet

[Ranzarok]

Very sad news. My condolences to his family and his friends at Smiteworks.

[Redemption77]

Dave will be missed by nearly everyone who hes ever spoken with. He touched so many lives with his infectious laugh and his warm way of trying to make everyone feel included and like a friend in his world and I think thats because Dave really did see everyone he met who gave him kindness as a friend and he gave that kindness back ten fold. Dave my friend, you will be missed. We will roll dice in the future on the other side.

[H2Os]

I'm so saddened to hear this. RIP Dave, you will be missed.

[Ctmega]

I just want to take a minute and say that David @DigitalDM will be greatly missed. He was a huge influence in my decision to return to the community after a 20+ year hiatus. His ability to inspire and promote imagination through his videos will continue to help those coming into the hobby for years to come.

On a personal note, I had several interactions with Dave both before and after his hiring by the Fantasy Grounds team. I can say that not only was he infinitely patient, but willing to go above and beyond to help anyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and just want to let them know that David's life impacted thousands of people. He was a true inspiration to those who shared his passion for tabletop RPGs.

I hope to join his table on the other side one day too!

We miss you Dave!

[ATN]

Wow there are no words.

[Knot13]

I just recently came across the news that David passed away, and I am absolutely heart broken :cry:. I want to wish my deepest condolences to David's family and friends on the loss of such a great person.

I was fortunate enough to meet David around 5 months ago when we randomly crossed paths in a game we were playing called Lineage 2 Classic. We were both chasing nostalgia from when the game launched back in 2003. From that moment on we group leveled together and talked every single day, it was part of my daily routine that came to a screeching halt. David was always such a great person to be around and we became very close over those 5 months. I wish I could rewind and do it all over again. I wish that I could honor David and continue leveling his character with mine so that I could fulfill his goal of getting level 90, it just feels wrong playing without him, I haven't since I found out the news.

Even though I only knew David for 5 months, I consider him a great friend and will never forget his contagious laughter, how smart he was, his stories (especially the one of him bringing his son to a rock concert when he was a teenager, he always got a kick out of that one), or just how willing he was to always help out if someone needed it. All the stories and posts prior to mine solidified my belief that David was just an amazing human being. I miss him dearly.

RIP David, maybe there is Lineage 2 on the other side so that we can complete our goal together.

[Ardem]

Never had the pleasure to talk to Dave, but from his video is seemed like a genuine nice guy. Sad loss for the community.

[Varsuuk]

OH my God David, I am so sorry to hear about this. I was online playing with Mike Potter and he told me about this. I haven't been able to find much time for online forums with work life and house shopping.

My heart goes out to his family, especially his son - it kills me as a father to picture a kid losing a dad.
I don't know what to say other than I am saddened by this news.

Regards,
Dan

[Rondor]

Yesterday, I read this post and it was as if someone punched me in the gut.

Dave, rest in peace. You have no idea how many either discovered or rediscovered TTRPG's because of you but I am one of the many.

[DMReckless]

Condolences go out to the Smiteworks family and David's especially.

[blacksorn]

I'm shocked by this news. Saw his Prep-Stream two weeks ago. It's hard to believe. He was always the good guy who cheered everybody up and was very kind though I didn't met him personally. Very sad day and a great loss for smiteworks and the community. RIP David.

[Morquendel]

my condolence to his family and his buddys. he was a face for smiteworks that will be missed badly

[elwhynn]

I had the pleasure of joining David on an episode of Fantasy Grounds Fridays. He was a very welcoming and kind person. His videos helped introduce me to Fantasy Grounds. We really appreciated his support at Fantasy Ground Pick Up Games. David will be missed. From everyone at FGPUG, condolences to David's family. Hopefully seeing how many people David touched will bring some measure of comfort. And we wish you many years of life to remember David.

[dellanx]

My condolences to his friends and family.

[Apolala]

I’m so saddened by these news. I had the privilige to work with him on a project. He was such a warm and kind soul. My deepest condolances to his family, friends and colleagues

[Farnaby]

My condolences to his friends and family members.

[Valyar]

My condolences to the family and friends. :(

[RIP DDM]

I made an account just so I could reply to everyone! (not sure if I am doing this right) :) I am the mother of Dave's son Nick. We are truly blessed and thankful to everyone for their kind words. It amazes me how many lives Dave touched through this community. Dave was a great guy and like a best friend to me. My husband and I have started a gofundme for Nick and I would like to share it here. https://gofund.me/e0e3c750 Again, I cannot thank you enough for the love you have shown our Dave. -Laura




It is with deep sadness that we inform everyone about the passing of David Middleton.

David was battling COVID-19 and passed Saturday afternoon. Dave played an important role here at SmiteWorks, and within the community. Roleplaying games were David's life and he always made room at the table for anyone who wanted to play. His role with the company was working directly with customers as a Customer Support Rep, a YouTube and Twitch streamer, and as a Gamemaster. He loved working with people, teaching others about gaming, and generally just spreading his love for the many games he enjoyed.

David made a name for himself as The Digital Dungeon Master on YouTube and on Twitch where he had more than 25K followers and countless videos focused primarily on online RPG play. He joined SmiteWorks in 2017 as only our fifth employee and he played a very big part in the growth of our company. He was often the face of our company online and the first interaction many of our users had with the company. More importantly, David was a true friend.

My life was greater for having had David in it. He told me earlier this week that he would see me on the other side. I held out hope that he would make it through this challenge and that we would one day be able to roll dice together again. Unfortunately, life had a different plan. I truly hope that I do get to see him again one day and I hope he is watching from above whenever we roll those 1's and 20's. He will be missed.

David is survived by his son Nick and his mother Mary. Our hearts go out to David's family at this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We are communicating with David's son and we will post additional information about funeral arrangements once we receive them. We are sharing a link to this press release with David's family. If you would like to leave a message for his family, please do so below. It would mean a lot to them to see how loved David was in our community.

[caderly]

I was very sad when I saw this post last week. David was a great guy and probably one of the best dungeon masters I have ever played with. I got the fortunate luck to play in one of his greatest campaigns that spanned Tombs on Annihilation that lead into Savage Worlds which took us to the Tomb of Horrors where he planned out our demise. I will never forget the look on his face when I pulled out the horn of valhalla on the final boss which saved our entire party. He had forgotten that Nanny Pu'pu gave me that and I had been saving it for the right time. David will be missed. I always think back to that year I was able to play with him and my other fellow great adventures. Those were fun times. Wish I could of made it out to El Paso while he was around.

Caderly (Aka Nathrae D'aerthe)

[ddavison]

Thanks Laura. We wish Nick and the rest of David’s family well in this trying time.

[RobboNJ69]

Very sad news. My condolences to his friends and family members. His videos were always a great help.

[ddavison]

SmiteWorks will be providing a check for $4,000 directly to David's son Nick to help with expenses and logistics. This likely would have been David's holiday bonus from the company if he was still with us. Any funds that were paid for David's final paycheck and accrued vacation time went directly to his account and may be tied up until his estate is settled. As I live nearby, I will be delivering this in person to Nick in the very near future. GoFundMe's fees are reasonable at 2.9% plus $0.30 for each donation, but we don't want to dilute this for a larger transaction.

[*Neuro*]

Condolences to his family.

I watched many of his FG streams.

See you on the other side. Rest in Peace.

[Greytook]

Sincere condolences to Nick and his family! I enjoyed watching his videos as they were always informative and gracious. See you on the other side David.

[Milke]

Wait... is this the guy that does all the YouTube video tutorials? He died?? :(

[Nylanfs]

Sadly yes :(

[Jonin]

SmiteWorks will be providing a check for $4,000 directly to David's son Nick to help with expenses and logistics. This likely would have been David's holiday bonus from the company if he was still with us. Any funds that were paid for David's final paycheck and accrued vacation time went directly to his account and may be tied up until his estate is settled. As I live nearby, I will be delivering this in person to Nick in the very near future. GoFundMe's fees are reasonable at 2.9% plus $0.30 for each donation, but we don't want to dilute this for a larger transaction.

That's awesome Doug.

[Nosh]

Condolences to his son and family. We have all benefited from his helpful, cheerful and positive presence in the YouTube videos and live streams. :(