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Superbubz, the Fairfield 6-year-old who captured our hearts, dies after cancer battle

Public visitation on Thursday, Oct. 12
Cancer just took inspiring Fairfield kid from us
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FAIRFIELD, Ohio -- After more than two years battling neuroblastoma, an inspiring Tri-State 6-year-old lovingly known as "Superbubz" died Friday morning.

Walter Zayne Herbert, the brave boy who loved superheroes and touched the Tri-State's heart with his happy spirit and bright smile, died at 2:40 a.m., according to his Facebook page "Fight with Superbubz." The post said Walter was pain-free and surrounded by loved ones.

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"He amazed us daily! His smile was infectious and his laugh was music to our ears. We know he is now watching over us and finally able to be the carefree child he was meant to be. Heaven gained another angel today," the post said.

The family asked for continued prayers and support.

Members of the community crowded a public visitation for the boy the evening of Oct. 12 at Fairfield Central Elementary School. He is being interred at Spring Grove Cemetery on Oct. 13.

Just three weeks ago, the Fairfield Central Elementary School first-grader earned a high school diploma before a crowd of 300 people who watched the special graduation ceremony. The school district arranged for Walter to complete grades one through 12 over a two-day period. Standing along the stage were adults in Walter's favorite superhero costumes, including Batman, Captain America, Spiderman and more.

Support came from all corners of the Tri-State during recent weeks. The Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati and Colerain and Fairfield High School football teams welcomed Walter to practice sessions and games and let him participate and meet his favorite sports heroes. He also got to fly in a Hamilton County Sheriff's helicopter and ride on a Cincinnati police motorcycle.

Perhaps Walter's biggest sports thrill was sitting next to the Reds dugout and seeing his favorite player, Joey Votto, hit a home run. Votto high-fived Walter on his way back to the dugout, then handed the smiling boy his home run bat and the jersey off his back.

Condolences poured in to Walter’s family Friday.

SEE more condolences below.

Additional reporting contributed by WCPO's news partner The Journal-News.