The world of comics and superheroes was forever altered on November 12, 2018, when news of Stan Lee’s passing sent shockwaves through the global community of fans and creators.
As the co-creator of iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man and the X-Men, Lee’s influence on pop culture is immeasurable.
In this article, we delve into the cause of his death, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the final chapter in the life of a man who brought extraordinary heroes to life.
Stan Lee early life
Lee was born on December 28, 1922, in Manhattan, New York City, to Romanian immigrants Celia and Jack Lieber.
He graduated from high school at the age of 16, and was hired as an editorial assistant for Timely Comics, which would later become Marvel Comics.
In 1942, he was promoted to editor and began writing comic-book scripts for Timely under the pseudonym Stan Lee, which eventually became his legal name.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Lee created several comic-book series, including The Witness, The Destroyer, Jack Frost, Whizzer and Black Marvel.
Lee’s parents struggled to make ends meet for the family during the Great Depression.
His father was emotionally distant and strict, while his mother was quiet but more doting, especially on Stan.
Lee’s dominant theme in his reminiscences of his childhood was the desire to escape his circumstances, including family drama, economic hardship and Jewishness.
His goal in his high school yearbook was to Reach the Top—and STAY There.
After working for Marvel in an official capacity for nearly 60 years, Lee began to pursue other projects, and in 1999 he formed Stan Lee Media, an Internet entertainment company built around his creations.
Eventually, his role at Marvel became that of chairman emeritus.
Stan Lee cause of death
Lee died from cardiac arrest triggered by respiratory and congestive heart failure.
His death certificate listed the immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest with respiratory failure and congestive heart failure as underlying causes.
Lee also suffered from aspiration pneumonia, which is an infection brought on by inhaling food, liquid, vomit or saliva into the lungs.
He passed away on November 12, 2018, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Stan Lee career
After graduating from high school at the age of 16, Lee was hired as an editorial assistant for Timely Comics, which would later become Marvel Comics.
In the 1940s and ’50s, he created several comic book series, including The Witness, The Destroyer, Jack Frost, Whizzer and Black Marvel.
In the 1960s, Lee co-created some of his most famous characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Hulk and Thor.
A distinctive feature of Lee’s comic book heroes was that they combined superhuman powers with human insecurities and emotions.
Marvel Comics became a highly popular franchise, and in 1972, Lee was promoted to editorial director and publisher.
He later moved to the West Coast to be involved in Marvel’s film ventures and eventually became chairman emeritus.
After working for Marvel in an official capacity for nearly 60 years, Lee began to pursue other projects.
In 1999, he formed Stan Lee Media, an Internet entertainment company built around his creations.
Lee also had cameo appearances in many Marvel film and television projects, with some yet to come, posthumously.
His contributions to the comic book industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 2008.
He was also named a Disney Legend in 2017.
Lee’s life, career, and creations have been the subject of documentaries and specials, such as the 2010 documentary With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story and the 2023 special Stan Lee released on Disney+.
