(CNN) A hero of this galaxy is now also a hero of one far, far away.

The makers of Star Wars have created a character in honor of Riley Howell , according to CNN affiliate WLOS

Howell was a 21-year-old ROTC cadet and student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He died in April while tackling a gunman on campus.

Authorities have said that Howell saved the lives of others when he charged the shooter who had opened fire with a pistol in a classroom.

A spokesperson from Lucasfilm said a family from his hometown told them about Howell and this was their way of helping, according to WLOS.

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