Credit: Defector MediaDan McQuade, a longtime Philadelphia writer, former Deadspin editor, and Defector co-founder, has died at the age of 43 following a battle with neuroendocrine cancer. The news, announced by Defector EIC Tom Ley, rippled across social media as friends and fans of his writing shared their favorite memories and works of his. He joined Deadspin in 2017 and was part of the infamous mass resignation that ultimately led to the creation of Defector Media. Dan wrote extensively about Philadelphia and its complex nuances and random cultural peculiarities, like how far Rocky Balboa actually ran in Rocky II. As news of McQuade’s passing spread on social media, tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, peers, and those who enjoyed his writing over the years.