July 31, 2008
Cole Ryder Is Dead
Disturbing news that we've lost another gay porn star. Although details are sketchy at this point, former Rascal Exclusive Cole Ryder One of the first of a crop of more-masculine and hairy studio exclusives, Cole was signed by Rascal in 2006, where he went on to appear in Link: The Evolution, When Bears Attack, and others. He appeared on the cover of the October 2006 issue of Unzipped and the cover of Leather Sessions.
Channel 1 also released the Cole Ryder Cock, a dildo molded off him. After Rascal, he appeared in Cruising Ground for Mustang.
Update: Fleshbot notes that Cole's Myspace profile update from reads: COLE RYDER has left the building.
Update: Chi Chi LaRue sent over the following statement:
Cole Ryder was a beautiful person on the inside and the outside! He had such a great manly appeal and the heart of a gentle giant. Cole was always such a pleasure to work with and I'm deeply saddened by his passing. I can only wish now that he is in peace and he will always have a special place in my heart and the C1R Family.
Posted in: Channel 1 Releasing, Cole Ryder, Rascal
So truly sad to hear of this. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
WGB
Posted by: WickedGayBlog.com at July 31, 2008 5:34 AMCole Ryder was one of the hottest guys around. May he RIP.
Posted by: at July 31, 2008 6:46 AMDamn, what a loss. He was my kind of man
Posted by: Dutch at July 31, 2008 7:39 AMI can't believe this has happened. We are loosing to many good people i this industry. I was a sweet guy and very kind to me in the short time I've known him. My condolences goes out to his loved ones. :(
Posted by: Wolf Hudson at July 31, 2008 8:03 AMI thought that Cole was one of the hottest guys to ever arrive on the scene. In the unzipped article they interviewed him and he came off as so down to earth with a heart of gold just a cool sounding guy. Looking at him in pictures and in his movies he no doubt had a great looking hot and hairy body, and such a hot ass and cock. He was just getting his feet wet in the business movie title wise before this happened.
Another loss in the gay porn world...taken way way before his time.
shit...i just read about this on towleroad. i spent a good amount of time with mike, and he had a heart of gold. R.I.P. buddy.
Posted by: JPH at July 31, 2008 9:53 AMWhat is the life expectancy for a gay porn star these days? Not much, if we are to go by the numerous early deaths reported on this site (almost as low as WWE stars). I don't know what's sadder -- the pornstars dying or people not batting an eyelash and accepting this as par for the course.
I just worked with Cole on two films and he was the warmest, sweetest and most professional performer I knew. We all miss him terribly. His last two films with us, Fisting Ranch Hands and In The Zone will be released in his memory this fall. R.I.P.
Posted by: Wolfgang Bang at July 31, 2008 10:52 AMI knew "Cole" for over 10 years giving me the opportunity to know both the Pre and Post "Cole Ryder" Persona and throughout our friendship remained a true, kind and generous person(demonstrated by his love and devotion for his 1 true love Peanut).
"Cole" will always hold a very special place in my heart. It will be impossible to replace such an incredible human being.
All my Love,
Jackson
Posted by: Jackson at July 31, 2008 2:10 PMIts very touching how sweet the comments are versus Queerty. GayPornBlog readers are a cut above, just like the site.
Posted by: Nice at July 31, 2008 3:03 PMIts very sad to hear of COLE'S passing I just recent ran into him, and as always Cole had that million dollar smile on.
I will miss you COLE.
We lost another good one.
XXOO
ROB ROMONI
Why is the cause of death for gay porn stars always so fucking mysterious?
Posted by: FredK at July 31, 2008 6:35 PMI don't even know what to say to this...this news is truly devastating.WOW
Posted by: Darren at July 31, 2008 8:28 PMVery sad, Blessings & good thoughts to his family & friends. Our lives are very fragile things & sadly bad things can happen to young & apparently healthy people,It is not unusual for situations when people who pass suddenly, to take a while to reach an official & detailed verdict, so I would not read anything into that idea. Makes me want to tell my loved ones how & how much I feel for them,NOW- Take Care All.
Posted by: Austrev at August 1, 2008 6:16 AMI recently discovered Cole Ryder and was instantly a fan of his, and to hear of is passing truly shocked me. From the articles I have read he sounded like a truly great person to know. He will be missed by many but not forgotten. God Bless You COLE!!
Posted by: Greg at August 1, 2008 3:25 PMOn behalf of the many friends who were with Cole during his last days, and as one of the two people who held his hands as he passed, let me clarify that he did not die of a staph infection (nor did he die of a drug overdose or AIDS). He died peacefully and with dignity.
His family and friends will be issuing a press release in the coming weeks with further details.
In the meantime, please allow him and us a little dignity during the grieving process and cease posting rumors and speculations on his death. He was a beloved human being who made a big impact on everyone he touched. Please do not belittle his life by prurient speculation as to how he died. Please focus instead on how he lived — a man devoted to his family, friends and community.
Thank you to all who posted similar sentiments.
He was a wonderful, dear, sweet, kind man and not just a sexy body. His friends and family would appreciate it if everyone remembered him that way as well.
Baby, you will be missed.
Love always,
Will, Bob and Mark
My partner and I knew Cole well before his Cole Ryder days. He liked nothing more than a steak bbq with his friends, spending time with his dog, and sharing stories about his world travels. He was a gentle, wonderful old soul who always wanted to make the people around him feel special (and, while rarely shown in his work, had an infectious smile.) We've been in contact with his family, and appreciate the respectful tone of the posts to this blog.
Posted by: Bob C. at August 1, 2008 5:59 PMRest in peace. Eating McDonald's and laughing with you that cold night outside of the Faultline will always be in my memory. You were a sweet man and I wish it wasn't over for you. I wish I could have saved you.
A lot of Mike's friends have expressed concern about Peanut, his dog and shining light in his life. Peanut joined our family when Mike was staying with us. He's become a little brother to our two other dogs, a Bouvier de Flandres and Schnauzer. They make an interesting looking trio. Mike said shortly before he passed on that he hadn't seen Peanut so happy and his tail so constantly wagging in a long time.
Posted by: Bob Conti at August 2, 2008 9:16 AMI read these comments over and over with a vague hope that someone would type "It was all a mistake, he is not dead"... What a loss! Mike was one of the sweetes men I knew. His muscles were a shield to cover the funny, loving guy he really was. I loved "Mikey"... If someone has his family's contact, please drop me a line (rafaelubiles@hotmail.com) I have so many pictures about our trips together, I am sure they would love to have... Mikey, Rest in Peace! I am sad for leaving so soon...
Posted by: Rafael at August 4, 2008 11:21 PMRest in peace Cole Ryder. Obviously you touched many hearts deeply and may you be in a blessed place.
What can the cause of death be if it's so damn secretive it needs to be in a press statement? People are unnerved by gay porn stars sadly short lifespans!
I will miss corey, so badly, especially late at night, but for those of you that want the next best thing, call me for a good time, anytime day or night!
925-756-2723
or toll free
1-800-281-6432
ESTATE OF COLE RYDER
2121 Maine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone (213) 840-0330
Fax (562) 218-6666
Contact: William Proctor
Phone: (213) 840-0330
Press Release
Contact: William Proctor
Phone: (213) 840-0330
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 A.M. EDT, August 8, 2008
ADULT FILM STAR, COLE RYDER, DIES
LONG BEACH, CA, JULY 30, 2008:
Cole Ryder passed away of natural causes at his home in Long Beach, California, shortly past 8 am on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008, at the age of 36. Cole passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by friends.
Cole was signed as an exclusive to Rascal Video in 2006 starting the trend of more masculine, rugged studio exclusives. His career was short, but prolific. He appeared in nine films over the course of two years, with two films still in post production.
Cole touched many people’s lives personally and professionally. He was always the first to greet anyone with a big smile and warm embrace. He listened and spoke with his heart.
Cole was active and passionate about animals and HIV education, prevention and fundraising. In June, 2008, Cole was the Honorary Trail Guide for Saddle Up LA, a benefit fundraiser for The Life Group LA of which he was very proud to be a part.
Cole would without a doubt appreciate a donation, large or small, to The Life Group LA (www.lifegroupla.org) with which he felt a close connection and affiliation. Funds donated in his name will launch a support program for emergency veterinary care for the pets of HIV+ men and woman.
The coroner’s first impression is that the immediate cause of Cole’s death was congestive heart failure. Preliminary tissue studies showed Cole suffered from severe, hereditary, arteriosclerosis, a hardening of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke or aneurysm. Final autopsy results are pending.
Family and friends wish to thank everyone for their sympathy and support.
-End-
Posted by: SR at August 12, 2008 8:36 PMRest n Peace Brother ...
Ferry
Bali - Indonesia
Mike AKA "Cole Ryder" was an incredible man. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him. Such a gentle sensitive man. Very sad. I hope his dog that he loved so much finds a good home.
Posted by: Mark at September 21, 2008 11:36 AM
