According to multiple sources, professional gamer and World of Warcraft streamer Byron "Reckful" Bernstein has passed away. He was 31.
While the exact cause of death remains uncertain, multiple sources close to Reckful have confirmed his passing early Tuesday morning, including his brother, Gary Bernstein. Rod Breslau, an esports consultant also confirmed the report this morning.
An outpouring of support and love have filled Twitter today, with fans, colleagues and gaming companies he touched all coming out to express their condolences. World of Warcraft players have also taken to in-game tributes to the prolific Warcraft streamer, who rose to prominence in 2009 as one of the MMO's top players.
Reckful/Byron memorials are now being held inside World of Warcraft across multiple servers and locations to pay respects to a WoW legend pic.twitter.com/Nb4FHfwAvM
— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) July 2, 2020
World of Warcraft's as well as Hearthstone's official Twitter account also paid tribute to the streamer, with the former calling Reckful "one of the most memorable WoW players of all time."
Rest in peace, Byron "Reckful" Bernstein. pic.twitter.com/B3i4CGISx0
— World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) July 2, 2020
Rest in peace, Byron "Reckful" Bernstein. pic.twitter.com/ptSu7c8cvj
— Hearthstone (@PlayHearthstone) July 2, 2020
Twitch also paid tribute to Bernstein calling him a "pioneer" in the streaming world.
Rest in peace, Reckful.https://t.co/dyRnzfMLU3 pic.twitter.com/Va9Ybyc94Q
— Twitch (@Twitch) July 2, 2020
In addition to these tributes, players are gathering in game to pay tribute to the World of Warcraft streamer, with many calling for Blizzard to erect a memorial in his honor within Azeroth itself.
He brought together the World of Azeroth in his passing. Erect a memorial in his honor. pic.twitter.com/M89zOqtUWG
— Sir Onion Knight ?? | Commissions Open! (@sir_onionknight) July 2, 2020
Reckful was also in the process of creating social MMO Everland, which is slated to launch later this year. The MMO has been poised to provide a space for community and friendships to form within the game world, and has been in development since 2018.
Our condolences to Byron's family and all those affected by his passing. Rest in peace, Reckful.
If you or anyone you know are dealing with a crisis or simply need someone to talk to, please reach out and call the Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255.
Featured image via Twitter
