Slow death unfortunately is a fate of most online relationships especially if there is no obvious solution to how they can be sustained with physical presence. I would take this with a grain of salt and talk to him about the problems and any ways of moving forward in the real physical world. Otherwise anything you have has a high risk of dying out.
Don't cry, don't regret and don't blame
Weak find the whip, willing find freedom
Towards the sun, carry your name
In warm hands you are given
Ask the wind for the way
Uncertainty's gone, your path will unravel
Accept all as it is and do not blame
God or the Devil
~Born to Live - Mavrik~