Among most gaming circles within competitive gaming, the fighting game community has always been a tightly-knit one. Woven with friendships that transform themselves into bonds of family, most in the community come together through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. During the times of the latter, the community turns to each other for support.
Tragedy struck the Tekken community Wednesday evening as they mourn the loss of an essential pillar in the Boston Tekken scene. A prominent player and friend of the community, Henry "TheBadGuY" Tapia died in a road rage incident Tuesday afternoon following a verbal altercation in which the aggressor shouted racial slurs at him. Shortly after, Tapia was struck by the aggressor's pick-up truck and was pronounced dead at the Massachusetts General Hospital, succumbing to his injuries. He is survived by his partner and three children.
Friends and family took to Twitter to mourn the loss and reflect on the life of Tapia, who was fondly referred to as "Henny." To many, he was kind and welcoming to others. Despite his moniker, he was well-loved and respected among not just the Boston Tekken scene, but throughout the United States as well.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe was created by Danny "StillElectric" Garcia and several other members of the Boston Tekken scene. All proceeds raised will go towards the immediate family of Tapia to cover funeral costs as well as financial relief. To promote the fundraiser, tournament organizer Trace Complete is using this week's Iron Fist Friday, their weekly tournament series, to commemorate Tapia and help raise money for his family. Here is their official notice from the Challonge registration page.
Hey folks. I'm sad to report the untimely passing of Henny Tapia, aka thebadguy1995, a Boston local and sometime participant in Iron Fist Friday; that's why we're late in getting things stood up this week. We will not be running a Matcherino this week; instead we'd like to direct your attention and your funds to the GoFundMe to support Henny's partner and their children. The suggested player donation this week is $5, which will be matched by TC up to $300. This is on the honor system: we're not going to be chasing you down, but please contribute if you're able.
At 34, Tapia's death and the ripples it has caused within the Tekken community is parallel to the recent death of a Street Fighter player a year prior. Both were respected members of their communities and both of their deaths were sudden, affecting the friends and family of many. With several others taking to Twitter to spread the fundraiser and awareness of the tragedy, players, family, and friends have raised over triple the amount of the $10,000 goal. At the time of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised over $35,000, closing in on 500 donors.
The vicious cycle of racial injustice, both within the gaming business and outside of it, will forever remain a dire issue in America if left unchecked. The worst-case scenario is the death of a loved one in a community and the death of a father. A death that would have been avoided had the aggressor not give in to his deeply-rooted hatred. Major condolences are sent towards Tapia's family and his close ones.
The GoFundMe will remain active between January 20th 2021 and February 3rd 2021.
Source: Boston Globe