Actor Jared Padalecki, who has been open with his battle against depression, was deeply moved when many of his fans at Sunday's Comic-Con paid tribute to his struggles.
According to E! News, over 7,000 fans showed support by lighting candles and holding up their phone screens as the question and answer portion was directed towards Padalecki's "Supernatural" panel.
The fans shouted "Always Keep Fighting," which is in reference to the actor's campaign set up to provide support for people who are battling addiction, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
Padalecki told E! News that he didn't know what was going on at first. Initially, he thought that people were just holding up their phones.
But then someone came to him and handed him a note of explanation and then he realized what was going on. "It took everything in my power not to cry," he said.
Padalecki then told his fans that what they did was "so touching and humbling and honoring," as reported in Us Weekly.
Jensen Ackles, Padalecki's onscreen brother, also told E! News that he was moved by the support from fans. He also didn't see the candle surprise coming.
Later that evening, Padalecki posted on his Facebook page stating how he mistook all the device lights for cameras, and later realized what it was after being handed a note.
Furthermore, he said in his Facebook post that he "will never forget the love" that he felt.
Padalecki opened up about his depression in March via an interview with Variety magazine. He said that he was diagnosed with the disorder several years ago.
He told the magazine that despite being happy with work and being adored by fans, he couldn't figure out what the cause for his depression was.
"It's not just people who can't find a job, or can't fit in in society that struggle with depression sometimes," Padalecki said.
