After Boy's Freak Death, 'Mr Awesome' Portrait Goes Viral

Calder Sloan had drawn himself 5 months before he died
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 24, 2014 9:04 AM CDT
After Boy's Freak Death, 'Mr Awesome' Portrait Goes Viral
Calder Sloan   (YouTube)

Five months ago, Calder Jacob Sloan drew a self-portrait he called "Mr. Awesome." On April 13, just one week after he turned 7, the Miami boy was killed in a freak accident. But "Mr. Awesome" continues to inspire—just like Calder did, say parents Carla Kaufman and Chris Sloan. A family friend shared the self-portrait on social media, along with a tagline summing up what Calder was all about: "Adventure. Laughter. Kindness." He asked people to take the picture with them on adventures, and the image soon went viral, WPLG reports.

It's now displayed at AmericanAirlines Arena after the Miami Heat's Chris Bosh shared it. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida did the same, along with other VIPs, Fox News reports. The self-portrait has been shared online in the hands of Alex Rodriguez, Spider-Man, a Stormtrooper, Shrek, and a number of "normal" people bringing it along on their adventures, all with the hashtag #MrAwesome. The Miami Seaquarium may even name a baby dolphin "Awesome" in honor of Calder. The little boy was electrocuted by a faulty light in the family's pool, and his parents are encouraging homeowners to be aware of safety in their own pools. They've also set up a legacy fund in Calder's name, and donations will benefit the boy's school. (Click for more inspiring news.)

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