Teen Who Met Eminem as Dying Wish Loses Cancer Battle

A 17-year-old Rochester High School senior who won nation’s heart in the final days of his life has died.

Gage Garmo, 17, lost his stoic battle with cancer Monday, a day after meeting his music idol, hip-hop artist Eminem.

When doctors told Garmo last week that he had only days to live, his friends took to social media and the Internet to raise money to offset his family’s medical expenses and arrange a meeting Sunday with Eminem – in real life, an Oakland Township resident named Marshall Mathers.

Garmo was at home with his family when he died, according to reports.

“Even though Gage was very medicated at the time, he sat up and spoke to Eminem, which is something he hadn’t done in several days,” Mary McCarter, executive director of The Rainbow Connection, told The Detroit News.

The Rochester-based charity helped arrange the meeting with Eminem and fellow Bad Meets Evil rapper Royce Da 5’9 Sunday.

Garmo was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2010 and went through multiple surgeries and treatments. He lost a leg before the beginning of this school this year. Despite his ordeal, friends said he remained chipper and upbeat, enduring his pain silently to spare theirs, friends said.

The Rochester Hills community rallied around Garmo with fundraising efforts and other shows of support.

As word of his death began to spread, donations and words of condolence were coming into the GoFundMe page created by a fellow member of the Class of 2015 – which Garmo was allowed to graduate early.

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“Gage’s family has never asked for anything other than warm thoughts and prayers,” wrote Brianna Pulliam, who launched the page. “The entire Senior Class of ‘15 wants to do more. Please join us by giving to the Garmo family.”

By mid-morning, more than $30,500 had been raised by 485 people. Another $30,000 was raised at a Sunday fundraiser.

On his personal page, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett wrote, “A young life was taken from our community way too soon and it will never make sense. Our city mourns while sending our thoughts and prayers to the Garmo family,” The Oakland Press reports.

“Gage’s legacy in this community is secure,” the mayor wrote. “His amazing friends made sure of that. Courageous, hero and fighter’ (are) all words he earned right up until his final moments.”

“Our city mourns the loss of Gage Garmo. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Garmo family and all of those whose lives he touched. Our community came together like no other and because of his great influence and impact, we will forever be ‪#‎GarmoStrong‬,” the city of Rochester Hills posted on Facebook.

On Monday night, hundreds of people gathered at Rochester High School for a candlelight vigil in Garmo’s memory.

Garmo would have turned 18 on Friday.

Funeral arrangements are unclear.