News
Helix Studios' Performer Alex Riley Has Reportedly Died at 22
The news first began to surface on social media Wednesday night.
May 14 2021 7:08 AM EST
November 04 2024 9:41 AM EST
MikelleStreet
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The news first began to surface on social media Wednesday night.
Late Wednesday night, porn performers and some fans began to report that 22-year-old Alex Riley, known mostly for his work with the gay porn company Helix Studios, had died. The news has since been confirmed by Helix's official Twitter account as well as Str8UpGayPorn, a blog that reports industry news.
"We are heartbroken over the loss of Alex Riley," Helix wrote to Twitter. The studio has represented the talent exclusively since 2019. "One of the most vibrant and talented young performers we've ever had the privilege to work with. Please respect his family's privacy during this devastatingly difficult time. We love you, rest in peace Alex."
Jacob Hansen, another performer and Riley's longtime boyfriend tweeted that he was told by Riley's best friend that he had passed away "early Sunday morning." He was 22 at the time and no cause of death has been announced.
None— Zoe Peterson (@Zoe Peterson) 1620927175
None— Nick Fitt (@Nick Fitt) 1620926528
Riley was well-loved and respected within the industry. Str8Up reports that he was born in Texas before moving to California in 2018 and Arizona this year. He's won multiple awards including GayVN's Best Newcomer in 2020 and best "Fantasy Boyfriend" from the Str8UpGayPorn awards. Prior to working with Helix he filmed for Men, RealityDudes, NextDoor, and Fraternity X. He once said that he knew he wanted to get into adult film after watching some on his grandmother's computer in fourth grade.
\u201cDear @alexrileyxxx \nMy friend, I don\u2019t have the right words to say just that I\u2019m gonna miss you. \nMay your soul find peace and hope to see you again my friend. \ud83e\udd0d\ud83d\udc99\u201d— Logan Cross (@Logan Cross) 1620985228
None— Esteban Williams (@Esteban Williams) 1620928842
\u201cBlessed be beautiful. You were one of the brightest souls I\u2019ve had the pleasure of knowing.\u201d— Tyler Sweet (@Tyler Sweet) 1620965501
None— Jordan Lake (@Jordan Lake) 1620929847
None— Ashen One (@Ashen One) 1620929131
His family and friends knew of his work. He once brought his mother to an awards show. This was chronicled in a Helix Studios YouTube series.
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Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.
Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.