Ezra suffered a stroke in August 2008, and passed away on October 20. As the news reached the general public, thousands of players sent messages of condolence, and Horde players journeyed to Mulgore to complete the quest in his memory. Blizzard also paid a special tribute; beginning with 2009's Lunar Festival, the Elder in Thunder Bluff has been renamed Ezra Wheathoof in his memory. We miss you, Ezra!!