Pokémon Artist in Tears After Young Fan Pulled Her Jirachi Card in Final Pack Opening Before His Death

A heartfelt exchange between a Pokémon trading card artist and a young fan who passed away has touched the gaming community worldwide, blending a viral moment of joy with a somber reminder of loss. Akira Egawa, the prolific artist behind a Jirachi SIR card from The Pokémon Company’s 30th Anniversary drop, said she was moved to tears after seeing the card pulled during the last pack opening of Avery the Poké Kid, a beloved 12-year-old Pokémon influencer who died of pancreatic cancer on September 19, 2026.

The story traces back to a video posted by Avery’s parents, who wanted to celebrate his life by sharing footage of him opening his final set of trading card packs from the brand’s recent 30th Anniversary drop. On the very last pull of his second and final pack, Avery drew the Jirachi SIR — a major win that caused him to shout in excitement. The heartwarming moment quickly went viral within the Pokémon community and beyond, leaving viewers misty-eyed and sorrowful that such a bright and cheerful voice in the space had been tragically lost at such a young age.

An Artist Half a World Away

Even the artist of the card, who lives halfway across the globe from Avery’s home in Everett, Washington, saw his viral pull. Speaking on Twitter/X, Egawa said she was heavily impacted by the video and couldn’t stop crying after watching it. Her reaction has since become the emotional centerpiece of the story, resonating with fans who were already grappling with the news of Avery’s death.

“I’m so deeply moved. I’m so glad I kept drawing. I’ve honestly been in tears ever since I saw this.”

Akira Egawa

In a follow-up post responding to the news of Avery’s passing, Egawa reflected on the purpose behind her work. “‘I want my art to bring happiness to people.’ That’s one of the reasons I draw. I’m so glad I put that wish into this piece,” she wrote.

Fans were equally moved by her reaction, with many pointing out the poetic lore behind Jirachi in the Pokémon universe. Jirachi is a Legendary Steel and Psychic Type Pokémon that spends most of its life in hibernation. It only wakes up for seven days every thousand years or so, and is only awakened if you “sing to it in a voice of purity.” The card’s design and the circumstances of its pull have given the moment an added layer of symbolism for those mourning Avery.

A Voice Lost Too Soon

Avery had battled stage four pancreatoblastoma for over seven years. He became a beloved figure within the Pokémon community during his lifetime, sharing his love for the series’ trading card game to the tune of 313,000 avid followers. His final pack opening — a moment that would have been ordinary for most — became a defining memory for a community that rallied around him and his family.

A GoFundMe has been started to help Avery’s family cover medical costs, which has nearly met its goal of $130,000. Avery’s impact on the Pokémon community cannot be understated; his Instagram account is full of supportive comments from longtime fans and newer viewers alike, who are offering their sympathies and sharing their favorite memories of the young personality.

Looking Ahead

As the 30th Anniversary Trading Cards continue to generate excitement among collectors, the emotional weight of Avery’s story has shifted the conversation from the cards themselves to the human connections they represent. Egawa’s response has sparked a broader reflection on the role art plays in moments of grief and celebration, with fans across platforms sharing tributes to the young influencer.

The Pokémon Company has not issued a formal statement on the matter, but the collective outpouring of support suggests that Avery’s legacy will endure well beyond his final pack opening. For many in the community, the Jirachi SIR is no longer just a collectible — it is a reminder of the joy Avery brought to others, and the kindness that continues to flow through the community in his memory.

Image Credits: The Pokémon Company / Akira Egawa

Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she’s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.