Jarod “NWBZPWNR” Nandin, aka The South Park Guy cosplayer from BlizzCon 2013, has passed away after contracting Covid-19. Nandin reported his worsening condition on Facebook and Twitter on December 18th, tested positive just a few days later, and passed soon thereafter. Despite this diagnosis, he made jokes, remaining upbeat and positive, until he passed away.
Jarod was an avid World of Warcraft fan who took pride in giving others the courage to cosplay, having shaved his own head half a dozen times to portray the South Park reference of “Jenkins the Griefer/NWBZPWNR” from the episode “Make Love, Not Warcraft” at various conventions, beginning with an appearance during the Blizzard costume contest at Blizzcon in 2013. Jarod began going with the NWBZPWNR name online thanks to the overwhelming popularity of his cosplay, which is still praised today.
In an interview with LA Weekly, he spoke on inclusivity and the power of cosplay to bring people together. He was an avid World of Warcraft fan who spoke about the positive impact of gaming in Blizzard’s Looking for Group documentary.
A memorial fund for Jarod has also been set up on GoFundMe.
