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Zelda Fan Sends Nintendo Heartbreaking Letter, Receives Care Package
Corey Austen is a huge Zelda fan, and so was his brother Matt.
The two shared a mutual love of the series for most of their lives. Corey favors the older entries such as the original Legend of Zelda and A Link to the Past, while Matt adored Twlilight Princess. "He loved the darker spirit and the wolf transformation mechanic. He once told me that it spoke to him as he always identified with the heart of the wolf, the fierce loner," Corey said.
Matt was diagnosed with epilepsy in 6th grade, and when he passed away due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) on May 31, 2016 Austen decided to send a letter to Nintendo giving thanks for all the powerful memories he was able to cherish as a result of the Zelda series. In particular, Austen wanted to thank them for including the ability to use the Wolf Link Amiibo in the newest Zelda game, Breath of the Wild. "The last conversation we ever had was about June 16th and how we were going to text through the entire [Nintendo] presentation, taking apart every piece of the new Zelda trailer and the gameplay."
When Austen finally saw the presentation alone at his work desk, he was enthralled by Breath of the Wild. But the moment was bittersweet for him. "When they revealed that the game data from Twilight Princess would be used in Breath of the Wild as a companion, I broke down. Right there. At my desk. It was so unreal. My brother and I could still play the new game. Together."
After sending the letter, Austen set up an Epilepsy Foundation charity stream, Moblins for Matt, to honor his brother. During the early hours of the stream, a package arrived. In it was a plethora of Zelda-related goodies, including a backpack, badges, a coin bearing the emblem of the Sheikah tribe, a Breath of the Wild t-shirt, and more. Most importantly, however, Nintendo had sent Austen a note. "Corey," the note reads. "Our condolences on your loss. May your brother's legend live on forever. Thank you for sharing your story. Sincerely, Your Friends at Nintendo."
You find photos of the care package here.
[Sources: Zelda Informer, Reddit]
Correction (09/11/16): This story previously said Matt Glasscock had passed away in July of 2016. This was not the case. Game Informer regrets the error.
Our Take
Considering how much Nintendo's public image has seesawed in recent months, seeing something so human from the company is astonishing. Our condolences to Austen and his family.
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