Indiana Smash community mourns recently deceased member
Indiana’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate community has been mourning since news broke that one of their players had passed away. “Megalo,” who also went by “Benson Obama” and “Israel,” reportedly took his own life on December 3.
Megalo was one of the best Smash players in all of Indiana. He ranked No. 5 on the state’s most recent Super Smash Bros. Ultimate power rankings. In addition, he finished as No. 3 on their final Smash 4 power rankings.
Outside of his local community, Megalo was perhaps best known for his performance at Full Bloom 4. There, Megalo upset Jason “ANTi” Bates en route to a 9th place finish. Now, players have begun to post messages of condolences in the comments of the video depicting his iconic victory.
Smash community reacts to Indiana Smasher’s death
Unsurprisingly, some of the most heartfelt messages following Megalo’s death have come from members of the Indiana Smash community. May “Mystearica” Peterson, Indiana’s best Smash Ultimate player, reminisced about Megalo’s ability to make people laugh. Likewise, others commended Megalo not only for his skill, but also for the positive impact he had on people.
such a fond member of Indiana smash took their own life today. I don’t even know what to say. He was the type everyone liked, and he was always making everyone laugh. Indiana won’t ever be the same without you, we’re gonna miss you so fucking much Benson
— May (@Mystearicaa) December 4, 2020
TheKiest on Twitter, an Ohio tournament organizer, also shared several words in honor of Megalo in a TwitLonger. The TwitLonger stated that Megalo was known for his kindness. TheKiest also said Megalo “was not only a good player, [but] was a great role model and an excellent teacher.”
As news of Megalo’s passing spread, many Smashers from outside the Indiana Smash community offered their condolences. Among them were prominent community members like Maximillian “Max Ketchum” Krchmar, Matthew “HazMatt” Ian, and Colin “colinies” Landals. Others who knew Megalo shared stories about their positive interactions with him. Ultimately, his friends and acquaintances described him as someone who made his local Smash community an overall better place.
Always sad to hear about a death in the Smash community. Never met him but RIP Benson Obama, make sure to let your friends know you're there for them and don't be afraid to seek mental help
— LG EMG Max Ketchum (@MaxKetchum_) December 4, 2020
Much love to the Indiana Smash scene, terribly sad news to read today
Rest In Peace Benson
Please take care of yourselves and your mental health everybody
— Haz (@HazmattRules) December 4, 2020
R.I.P to Indiana Smash legend Benson Obama 🙏🏻😓 someone I always wanted to play and never got to… far too young 😣 https://t.co/OXXtxFBnQU
— colinies (@colinies) December 4, 2020
