Shocking news: Gay porn star Erik Rhodes died of a heart attack! [updated]

According to Adam Q. Robinson (VP of Production for Falcon Studios and Raging Stallion Studios), gay porn star Erik Rhodes died of a heart attack in his sleep this morning!

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Erik Rhodes this morning. Erik died of a heart attack in his sleep.

— Adam Q. Robinson (@AQR415) June 14, 2012

Erik has been an amazing friend & part of the Falcon family for 8 years, a man of steel on the outside but all teddy bear on the inside.

— Adam Q. Robinson (@AQR415) June 14, 2012

Erik Rhodes‘ Twitter account has also been updated with a message from his family:

Erik Rhodes has left us this morning at 5.30am his family and boyfriend Riccardo are in deep pain, please respect this sad moment

— Erik Rhodes (@Erik_Rhodes) June 14, 2012

Here is Raging Stallion/Falcon Studios’ statement:

It is with great sadness that San Francisco-based Falcon Studios and Raging Stallion Studios has confirmed the passing of Porn Superstar, Erik Rhodes. Erik died of a heart attack in his sleep this morning at 5:30 AM EDT. Rhodes had been a Falcon Exclusive for all but one scene in his entire career, and he rose quickly to Mega-Star status after his first DVD Super Soaked was released in 2004.

Chris Ward, Falcon/Raging Stallion Studios President offered the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by Erik’s passing. He was a part of our family and we are devastated. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

We offer our condolences to Erik’s family, friends and loved ones. He was a genuine and caring man with extraordinary attractiveness and a massive muscled frame. Erik was an equally beautiful human being who lit up a room, and brought fun and joy to our studio and his fans that was unparalleled. He was a giving person with a special wit, and he put his all into every performance.  He wanted to give his fans the best he could every single time he stepped in front of the camera.  Rest in peace, Erik and know that we are celebrating your life and your achievements, but we will miss you and all the special moments you have given us forever.

Born in Long Island, New York in 1982, Erik recently celebrated his 30^th birthday. Rhodes began his career with Falcon by signing as an Exclusive in September of 2004 at the age of 22, shooting only one scene prior to joining the Falcon team, and he had remained an exclusive ever since.  Erik also directed eight Mustang Studios titles during his career.  He recently began shooting with Raging Stallion Studios after it merged with Falcon in early 2011.  His videography includes over 40 scenes filmed over the last 8 years.

Falcon has created a special Celebrating Erik Rhodes page on the Falcon Blog where fans can leave messages for Erik and his loved ones. ( http://blog.falconstudios.com/?p=4360 )

Erik Rhodes was in iconic porn actor, one of the most famous porn actors of his generation. At the beginning of his porn career he was signed by Falcon and became the studio’s brightest star along with Matthew Rush. He filmed countless movies, appeared on many magazine covers, got nominated many times for different gay porn awards and won many of them!

For his full filmography, click here!

My condolences to his family and friends.

Fellow porn actors, directors, friends and fans are showing their love for Erik on twitter and youtube:

I only have good memory of you big monkey 🙂 twitter.com/francescodmach…

— Francesco D’Macho (@francescodmacho) June 14, 2012

I’m so sad to hear that our sexy, hilarious & controversial hunk Erik Rhodes moved to heaven last night. My heart goes out to him. Big hugs!

— MrPam GayPornMama (@mrPam) June 14, 2012

In disbelief that one of the most kind, honest & troubled souls I have ever had the joy to know and call a friend is gone. I love you James

— Samuel Colt (@MrSamuelColt) June 14, 2012

Rest in peace, @Erik_Rhodes. You’re one of the people who inspired me to work in this industry. I wish I’d gotten a chance to thank you.

— Jesse Jackman (@JesseJackmanXXX) June 14, 2012

As sad as it is to wake up and cry before you even step out of bed, I’m so happy he moved on, away from any troubles he may have left behind

— Jesse Santana (@KyleSantana) June 14, 2012

I am absolutely stunned by the news of @Erik_Rhodes passing. I briefly met him last year and was blown away by his presence; such a loss.

— Shay Michaels (@Shay_Michaels) June 14, 2012

If memories & tears could build a stairway & lane I would walk up to Heaven & bring you home again. I’ll miss you my friend @Erik_Rhodes

— Greg G. (@MeetGreg) June 14, 2012

I love you James …no I can’t believe it . twitter.com/SagatFrancois/…

— François Sagat (@SagatFrancois) June 14, 2012

I am saddened to hear the news of a dear friend passing away …My heart goes out to him and his loved ones . @Erik_Rhodes youare loved

— Trenton Ducati (@trentonducati) June 14, 2012