The Baltimore Ravens are mourning the loss of superfan Wes Henson, best known as "Captain Dee-Fense."

According to the team, 74-year-old Henson has been with the Ravens since the franchise's beginning, diving into the community after 24 years of working for the Navy. 

In a social media post, the team described Henson as "a man who cared deeply about people and is enshrined as a Hall of Fame Fan." 

"Captain Dee-Fense will forever be remembered for the remarkable joy, encouragement, and love he regularly gave to everyone around him," the team said.

According to the team, Henson died on Sunday, Oct. 5. 

Henson was a cancer survivor who uplifted other Ravens fans by attending charity events, weddings and birthday parties. 

The Ravens said Henson visited sick fans in the hospital and got autographs from players to give to kids. 

"His iconic fandom and service for others inspired our community in immeasurable ways," the team said in a statement. 

Henson's signature look of camo pants, aviator sunglasses, leather gloves and chains around his shoulders meant to represent the Ravens' defense.

In a 2016 article on the Ravens website, Henson wrote, "I've always had a heartfelt belief that defense wins championships."

In 2012, Henson was inducted into ESPN's Hall of Fans. 

"What I'm doing, fans will remember. The way I'm helping people, they'll remember," he said during an interview with the Ravens.

Fans react to loss of "Captain Dee-Fense"

Friends of Henson said he was more than a superfan. He was a symbol of pride, passion and community in Baltimore. 

"He was always there," said Dan Granofsky, also known as Real Fan Dan. "He's the face of the Baltimore Ravens...of the Baltimore Ravens fandom." 

For fans, Henson represented a connection to the team. 

"A lot of people don't get the opportunity to talk to players or talk to coaches, but you could talk to Wes. He was their connection to the sport," said Brian Marchetti, a friend of Henson. 

Marchetti knew Henson for 15 years and said he was always looking to help the community. 

Nicole Sordillo of Jarrettsville recalled in a tribute post how Henson visited her daughter in the hospital after an accident to lift her spirits.

"He's such a part of the Baltimore sports scene, and he would do anything for anybody," Granofsky said. "He's just a great human being…with a great heart."

Granofsky, famous for his shirtless Ravens cheer at every game, has also known Henson for decades. He said the loss hits home. 

"I'm so glad to have known him," he told WJZ. "There's going to be a lot of sadness going around that stadium, I'm sure."