The horror and indie film communities has lost one of their greatest champions.

“Kreepazoid Kelly” Barlow, who was inducted this past July into the Indie World Cinema Hall of Fame, passed away early this morning after a valiant fight against cancer. She had suffered for years, but had kept up a fighting spirit like no other until the end. She had always stayed positive and would share her love of horror films, television, and her love of Troma Entertainment.

I met Kelly via X around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and we had a mutual love for all things horror and Troma. We would give each other recommendations, and talked about life. It became a wonderful friendship to where she entrusted me with her cancer battle. I have never met anyone who was so resilient and stayed positive despite the various obstacles she faced.

To the horror community, Kelly was one of the best and most positive fans of the genre. She even had a career as a model for various horror publications, showing her dedication to the genre.

When Kelly went into hospice care, she stayed just as positive. She was fighting and kept doing so to the end. In my eyes, Kelly was the definition of a true warrior. Cancer sucks, but Kelly braved it, and for that, she deserves an amazing amount of praise for her long battle.

She entrusted a small group of people, including the great Heidi Honeycutt, the author of “I Spit on Your Celluloid: The History of Women Directing Horror” who is also involved with Acquisitions and Programming at Bloodstream. She had this to say:

“I lost my biological sister to cancer, and now I am losing a sister to cancer all over again. Cancer sucks. Horror fans, love your friends and family and hold them close, every day, and realize how much beauty and kindness is in the horror community. We are all in this together.”

Heidi couldn’t have said it better. Kelly will never be forgotten, and I am proud to call her a friend. When you watch a horror film, think of Kelly, one of the greatest fans of the genre and an all-around wonderful soul.

Condolences to the family and loved ones of the beloved “Kreepazoid Kelly” Barlow. She may not be an actor or filmmaker, but she is undeniably the definition of “horror fandom”. Rest in Peace, Kelly. We will never forget you.