Reds star Joey Votto among crowd at ‘Superbubz’ memorial in Fairfield

In the final weeks of his all-too-short life Walter “Superbubz” Herbert became a star for his courage in the face of death.

His public visitation Thursday evening saw Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto among the hundreds of mourners who lined up at Fairfield's Central Elementary to honor the first-grade student who died last week of cancer.

School officials said Votto, who had befriended the 6-year-old during a recent Reds game when he gave the Central first grader a fist bump and a bat, had flowers for the boy’s family and spoke to them at the ceremony, offering his condolences.

“Joey Votto came to the visitation and brought flowers for the family. He was extremely kind and humble. He gave both Mr. and Mrs. Herbert and hug and talked to them for a few minutes while he said goodbye to Superbubz,” said Central Elementary Principal Karrie Gallo.

Votto posed for photo at the visitation with Walter’s sister Adley.

Walter also was an honored, on-field guest of the Cincinnati Bengals and led the Colerain High School football team onto the field for a recent game and enjoyed special recognition by many other area government and law enforcement officials as his health waned in recent months.

School officials joined family Friday at the private funeral for the beloved youngster.

Walter, who went by the nickname of “Superbubz” — and for many embodied a superhero’s courage — died Oct. 6 at his home.

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