I’m incredibly sad to announce that on Thursday, December 19th, yoyo player Danny Severance took his own life. Danny was only 21 years old, and the brother of Tyler Severance
Danny was a kind soul, and a brilliant troublemaker. He had more creativity than he ever knew what to do with, and when he chose to channel it into his yoyoing the results were stunning. With little more than a shrug, Danny would throw off tricks that put World Champions to shame. He was always quick to share whatever he had, and I never met anyone who didn’t love him. Hugs flowed freely when he was around. No matter what his state of mind, if he saw that someone needed…he gave. He was a natural giver, and in the end he gave us all so much that he didn’t keep enough for himself. Killing yourself was a stupid thing to do, Danny, and we’d hate you for it if we didn’t all love you so damn much.
“I got to know Danny Severance through the East Coast contest scene in the mid 00’s, and though we were too far apart in age to be really close, we got along well. I got to pretend to be his guardian one year when he was too young to sign up for the Peanut Fest contest. I signed his name Daniel K. Worthington Severance III, esq. or something and referred to him that way thereafter. He borrowed one of my No Jives for most of ECC in 2008, and it was insane to see what he could do with it. Danny was one of the most naturally gifted yo-yoers of his era, and the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a true yo-yo prodigy. His style was at once completely natural and completely inimitable, and he was at ease on a stock Freehand as he was on an unresponsive metal. Watching him play was like what I assume it was like to hear Robert Johnson play the blues in person – NO ONE else could do it the same.
He never seemed to care much about the direction yo-yoing took, but he definitely helped to influence it. Danny had a casual and direct personality that could make some feel uncomfortable, but which also cut straight through bullshit. He gave long hugs hello and goodbye, had a memorable laugh and an omnipresent smirk. Danny was a character, but also just a good, genuine dude, and in him we have lost one of the players who helped to define his generation. Much love to all who traded tricks or shared a laugh with him.”
– Ed Haponik (Werrd)
“Yoyo club at Mitchell’s was every Friday from 4:00 to 5. Which meant, of course, that Danny and Tyler wouldn’t leave until 9 pm, when the store closed. They would be dropped off by their mom with their backpacks and weekend bags to be picked up by their dad. They would yo-yo, of course, but they’d also sit on the floor and eat pizza or 5 guys and make a mess on our sales floor. They drove me nuts, and I loved every minute of it. Hanging with those boys was like being with your family. And, now it feels like they are family. And I miss those times. And I miss those boys. Danny is gone, and Tyler is in Arizona, but both Danny and Tyler will always be in my heart.”
– Joe Mitchell (YoYoRadio)
“Danny was an incredibly fun and charismatic person. I have many great memories hanging out with him. Thanks for the many laughs and inspiration from your yoyoing Danny. I hope you’re in a better place.”
– Yuuki Spencer
“Danny was an incredible human being. I wish that I had been as close with him in the last couple of years as I was growing up. He was such a strong influence on me, and I admired him for so many of his traits, and I will never forget him as he will continue to influence me for the rest of my own life.
I am honored to have known Danny.”– Andrew Bergen
“One night when we were hanging out at Mitchell’s he said “how cool would it be to make stickers? If I could make stickers I’d just make them all day, just make the sh!t out if some stickers.” He was right, he put that idea in my head and it’s all I do now. I don’t know if I would have gone down that road if I wasn’t there that night. I love you brother and I’ll miss you.”
– Tom Uleau
“Danny was great friend. Some of my greatest memories were shared with him. He inspired me as a player and and as an artist. I am forever grateful for the time I got to share with him and deeply saddened that there wasn’t more. Love you dude.”
– Luke Hildebrand
“The last time we spoke was through text message on October 27th. I hadn’t seen or talked to Danny in over a year; I was watching old Studio Session videos and was (still) amazed at his natural ability with a yoyo. Every move was fluid and complex. Danny and I hung out a lot during those Sessions, so sitting at my desk in Texas watching these videos was also nostalgic. I sent him a quick text out of the blue telling him how “absolutely insane” his yo-yoing was and that I hoped he was doing well. He replied, “Aww man, thanks hella. Dude you’ve always been that to me. So hearing that from you is crazy.” I’m grateful I was able to tell him that and completely humbled he held my own works to such high regard. Those Sessions with Danny will always be highlights of a period in my life and it hurts so much we’ll never have new memories to reflect on when we’re old. ”
– Miguel Correa
Danny’s viewing will be at:
Hicks Funeral Home
103 West Stockton St
Elkton, MD 21921
Saturday, Dec 28th at 10 AM
Several people are coordinating crash space for any players who wish to attend…please email us and we’ll put you in touch with them.
We wish you had known how much you were loved. So long, Danny.
No matter what your problems, please know that suicide is not the answer. If you, or anyone you know, are contemplating suicide please seek professional help immediately. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, any time, day or night. Please.