25-year-old player Jerry Fort passed away on October 29, 2026, after battling interstitial lung disease for many years, with his family later confirming the news. Since then, some players have called on Rockstar to include a tribute in GTA 6, but there has been no response or commitment from Rockstar so far.
Fort had been suffering from this disease, characterized by lung inflammation and scarring, since he was 17. This August, he posted a TikTok video from his hospital bed, stating that he needed a lung transplant, which carried significant risks. He also joked about Rockstar's delays, expressing hope that he could hold on until the release of GTA 6.
After the video went viral, many players left messages of encouragement for Fort, saying they would buy the game for him if he recovered. The fundraising campaign launched by his mother, Paris Fort, initially aimed to raise $15,000 to cover transplant-related expenses, relocation, and recovery costs, but ultimately raised over $96,000.
Fort developed an infection following the transplant surgery, and his condition continued to deteriorate. His family stated that a severe lung infection caused congestion in his lungs. On October 28, he told his doctors he was ready to stop fighting, and he passed away the following day. His family later expressed gratitude to everyone who donated, shared his story and music, and offered encouragement.