Brazilian artist Al Rio has died from an apparent suicide by hanging.
The illustrator, who provided illustrations for numerous publishers, was found dead yesterday morning (January 31).
Rio is best known for his work on Gen 13, X-Men, New Mutants, Spider-Man, Vampirella, and Star Wars comics. He also worked as an animator for Disney for a time.
"Few could draw as well, adapting to so many styles so effortlessly, as Al Rio," his agent David Campiti wrote on Bleeding Cool.
"We'd gotten together several weeks ago and were working hard on his projects, so news of his death came as quite a shock. He was a long-time friend whose art was a great joy to me and even inspired my wife's drawing career. Generous and humble, he'll be deeply missed."
Rio was working on a graphic novel titled Fever Moon with writers Karen Marie Moning and David Lawrence prior to his passing. His funeral is being held today (February 1).
That's a real shame, waste of talent. Rest in peace.
