'Star Wars' fan legally changes name to Darth Vader

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. -- Darth Vader is a tattooed 43-year-old former Marine who owns a gym and is raising funds online for a bone-marrow transplant.

A western New York man legally changed his name last year to match the villain in the "Star Wars" films.

The former Eric Welch of Canandaigua said he grew up in foster homes and didn't have strong family ties to his name.

The "Star Wars" fan said he chose Darth Vader for his new name because the character carries an aura of leadership and toughness.

He tests his own toughness by competing in half-marathons and endurance events. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Motor Vehicles confirms Darth Vader is his legal name.